Elarqam set for Juddmonte International bid following impressive York Stakes win

Elarqam will attempt to break his Group 1 duck in the £1 million Juddmonte International Stakes at York's Ebor meeting after impressing connections with a career-best performance over course and distance last month.

The son of Frankel finally showed what he is capable of when exploding away from the York Stakes field, which included Royal Ascot winner Addeybb, and connections have been persuaded to pay the £75,000 supplementary fee.

The exceptionally bred colt – who is out of multiple Group 1 winner Attraction – has always been held in the highest regard by trainer Mark Johnston, who said: "We always knew he had that performance in him. He's won a Group 2 now so it's time to take the step up to Group 1 level and we'll see what happens."

Things did not go to plan for the Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned Elarqam last season, as his 2,000 Guineas fourth was followed by three disappointing efforts. However, he has won three of his five starts this season, with two Listed wins preceding his Group 2 triumph.

Johnston, who in July saddled a new record of 50 winners in a month, attributes Elarqam's revival to staying sound and busy, as so many of his horses often are.

The trainer added: "He hasn't had any injuries this year, which is the main thing. He ended last season with a fractured pelvis.

"He's a very laid-back horse who needs to be kept busy, which he wasn't last season."

The Juddmonte International takes place on Wednesday, August 21.

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