Finjaan set for early test

Marcus Tregoning has one eye on next year's 2,000 Guineas after Finjaan's solid effort in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes.

The juvenile was pipped into third place by Intense Focus and Lord Shanakill and the Lambourn trainer will prepare him for one of the Guineas trials next spring.

"He's fine and has taken his race really well. We're very pleased with him so we'll put him away for next year now," said Tregoning of the Royal Applause colt.

"The race went very well for him. It was a bit disappointing to get beaten so narrowly, but it was a good try and he's run his best race so far.

"He'll run in one of the seven-furlong trials, like the Greenham at Newbury for instance. We'll take it from there and decide, but obviously we have no firm plans yet."

Meanwhile, Tregoning's progressive stayer Askar Tau could be facing a step into pattern race company next year after staying on to be fourth in the Cesarewitch.

Sent off favourite after winning five races in succession, the Montjeu colt endured a troubled passage at Newmarket but kept on well and remains a top prospect for 2009.

"He got into a lot of traffic problems," confirmed the trainer. "He needed a bit more racing room which he didn't get. By the time he got out the first three had flown.

"I'm not too disappointed. To finish fourth in a race like that was a good effort. He was the best three-year-old and he will be progressive, I'm certain of that.

"He's done enough for this year. He's rated 105 so we'll have a look at all the good staying races for him."