Zawraq in good shape as return to action nears

One-time Classic contender Zawraq is reported to be in good form ahead of the new campaign.Dermot Weld's charge looked every inch a top-class prospect after winning the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial in the spring of 2015, but missed an intended appearance in that year's Investec Derby after suffering a setback.The son of Shamardal was later ruled out for the remainder of the campaign and was not seen in competitive action again for 18 months.However, he was far from disgraced on his comeback run at Leopardstown last October when runner-up to Flying Fairies in the Trigo Stakes and connections are praying for a clear run this year. Angus Gold, racing manager for owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum,said: "The last I heard the horse was in great form. "I saw him myself maybe three or four weeks ago and he looked fantastic, so it's so far, so good."We'll just take things day by day."Zawraq holds entries in the Alleged Stakes at Naas on April 9 and the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh on May 28.