Akeed Mofeed may have to bide time for Newmarket

Trainer Oxx is not sure if the colt can handle the fast-ground mile after the defeat at the Curragh.

Akeed Mofeed, right, with John Murtagh in the saddle, finished second at the Curragh.

The trainer for UAE businessman, Jaber Abdullah, is unsure whether Akeed Mofeed is an ideal candidate for next year's English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Dubawi colt oozed class when winning a Leopardstown maiden in Ireland on his second racecourse appearance, but was narrowly beaten in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.

John Oxx feels conditions went against his charge that day but, while he thinks there is still plenty to look forward to, he does not believe a fast-ground mile at Newmarket will suit.

"He's having a little break but he's in good form and doing well," Oxx said.

"The ground was a bit heavier than I was expecting at the Curragh and he struggled a bit.

"He put up a good show but the winner got away from him, and he just had a bit too much to do to catch him in the heavy ground.

"It's hard to know what the plan will be for him. I'm not so sure about running [in the Guineas] on firm ground on his first start of the year, as he looks like he'll stay a bit.

"We've no definite plan with him and we'll see how he goes when we get him back into fast work."

Meanwhile, the racing manager to Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Abdullah is confident underfoot conditions at Churchill Downs will not inconvenience Sea Moon in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Turf.

Sea Moon's close relative Workforce was taken out of the 2010 renewal at the 11th hour because connections considered the going too firm for the English Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner.

But Teddy Grimthorpe reports much different conditions and would not be surprised if the ground is good at the weekend. He said: "Last year they hadn't had rain for months and it brought about extreme conditions, but it's been different this time.

"They've had the normal amount of rainfall you would expect for the time of year and I'm pretty sure everything will be fine for Sea Moon. He travelled over very well, has gone out again today and seems in good order."

Grimthorpe supervised the owner's other Turf candidate, Midday, in a gentle breeze around the dirt course.

A previous winner of the Filly & Mare Turf and second in that race last year, Midday brings an unexpected element to the table and is reported in great heart by connections. "Midday also travelled over extremely well and came out of her Ascot race in very good shape," Grimthorpe said.

* Compiled by The National staff