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Buratino in Middle Park frame

Buratino will be prepared for a crack at the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes after being forced to side-step the Gimcrack Stakes due to the easy ground at York.

The six-furlong Group One event at Newmarket on September 26 is likely to be the next target for the Mark Johnston-trained two-year-old provided conditions are in his favour.

Should the ground go against this year's impressive Coventry Stakes winner, a trip to Keeneland to contest the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf could then enter the equation.

The trainer's son Charlie said: "It was a shame we didn't run Buratino at York but after his defeat at the Curragh, a decision was made that he would not run on soft ground again.

"He will be very ground dependent for the rest of the year and ideally we would go for the Middle Park next, but you are in the lap of the gods as regards to the weather at that time of year.

"If there weren't any suitable opportunities at home at the end of the season and the weather transpires against us, then the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf would come under consideration.

"It is a race Europeans do well in and the step up in trip to a mile shouldn't be a problem as the long-term aim is the Guineas next year and we expect him to stay a mile.

"Our horses thrive on racing and we would love to give him another go at a Group One at the back end of the year, but it would not be the end of the world if that didn't happen."

Another of Johnston's exciting juveniles Lumiere could bid to get back on the winning trail in the Country Gentlemen's Association Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes at Salisbury on Thursday.

The daughter of Shamardal made a scintillating debut at Newmarket last month but had to make do with the runner-up spot behind the more experienced Besharah in last week's Lowther Stakes at York.

Johnston has given his filly the option of turning out a fortnight later in Salisbury's Group Three event, but ground conditions will need to improve if she is to make the journey from Middleham.

"I've just made an entry for her today at Salisbury. I've only made the entry at this stage, but I know the ground is heavy there at the moment and hopefully it won't be heavy come next week," said the trainer.

"She's absolutely fine and well."

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