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Donjuan Triumphant is likely to make his seasonal return in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock ahead of a potential tilt at the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Connections of the Richard Fahey-trained three-year-old have identified the Group Two six-furlong prize in May as almost certain to be his starting point after admitting they face a "slight race against time" in getting him ready for the Greenham Stakes at Newbury.

Despite needing five attempts to get off the mark, the son of Dream Ahead quickly escalated through the ranks to claim victories at both Listed and Group Two level last season, before finishing fourth in the Group One Criterium International on his final start and first attempt over seven furlongs.

Tim Palin, spokesman for owners Middleham Park Racing, said: "This week is very important for Donjuan Triumphant.

"We have one eye on the Greenham and that is a possible starting point for him, but we face a slight race against time for that.

"He didn't winter brilliantly and he has taken a while to come to himself. He is happy being in training and is one of those guys who likes to be active rather than switched off and given a holiday.

"His most likely starting point is probably the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock which will act as a prep race for the Commonwealth Cup, which is the big plan for him in the first half of the season.

"We don't see him as a Guineas horse as we don't think he stays a mile, while the jury is out whether he gets seven furlongs as his run in France over it was inconclusive.

"We are very grateful the British Horseracing Authority has put the Commonwealth Cup on and the Sandy Lane Stakes is likely to be his stepping stone towards it."