Godolphin's Meydan City is looking to the big time

Godolphin's trainer Saeed bin Suroor is happy with Meydan City.

Godolphin's Meydan City is expected to be put up in class for his next start following his comfortable victory at Newmarket. The Kingmambo colt cost US$11.7million (Dh42.9m) as a yearling and the snipers were out when he finished only third on his debut on the same course in June. But he has won his last two starts, both at Newmarket, in striking style and looks a horse to follow for the rest of the season. "We need to see how he is over the next few days before we start making plans for him," said the trainer Saeed bin Suroor.

"He was fresh and well after the race and that is what I like about him. We'll keep our options open but we are looking at Listed races or a Group Three but we have no definite plans for him. "I've been very pleased with how he has improved for each race but I think next year he will be a much better horse. "He's a big horse and he is still filling out." But, with every plus for Godolphin, there appears to be a minus.

And Hala Bek is to spend another spell on the sidelines after meeting with a slight setback. Godolphin's five-year-old, who returned with a devastating display at Nottingham after a two-year absence, was slightly stiff after his comeback run. As a result, Saeed bin Suroor is in no rush to set the 2006 Epsom Derby fourth any particular target. "Hala Bek has had a setback and I think it happened in the race," said bin Suroor. "The next day we found him to be a little stiff. We know he is a good horse so we don't want to rush him, we need to give him time so that he is happy and sound. We are just going to give him time."

Yesterday's meeting at Curragh fell victim to the weather with the course found to be waterlogged after an inspection, meaning the cancellation of the United Arab Emirates Royal Whip Stakes. Course officials looked at the condition of the track at 7.30am but heavy rain left them with no choice but to cancel. "It is a real shame because it was a cracking card," said Cliff Noone, the Irish Turf Club's press officer.

Three Group races had been due to take place, the Phoenix Sprint Stakes, the Debutante Stakes and the Royal Whip. * Agencies