Araafa comes up lameJEREMY NOSEDA reported on Saturday that

[louis finochio]

JEREMY NOSEDA reported on Saturday that Araafa came out of last Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes “slightly lame” but that he would be able to return to action next month.

The Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes winner went down by three and a half lengths as he could only finish fifth behind Court Masterpiece, the 11-10 favourite's challenge faltering after he hit the front approaching the two furlong pole.

Noseda said he believes that soreness in the dual Group 1 winner’s left fore was one of several factors behind the Mull Of Kintyre colt’s sub-standard display at Glorious Goodwood.

However, tests indicate that there are no serious injury concerns and Noseda plans to have his stable star back on the track in September. The trainer told his website jeremynoseda.com: “Unfortunately, Araafa finished slightly lame in his left fore. X-rays and ultrasound scans have revealed no long-term injury and he will be able to continue his campaign in either the Prix du Moulin on September 3 or the Queen Elizabeth II on September 23.

“I feel that there were a number of contributory factors in his below-par performance last Wednesday. Firstly, he chased a suicidal, early pace. Secondly, he was totally unsuited by the track. Thirdly, he returned sore on his left fore. But we are eagerly looking forward to him resuming his campaign