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Elm Park in light work after Epsom Derby flop

EPSOM, ENGLAND - MAY 26: Andrea Atzeni riding Elm Park during the 'Breakfast With The Stars' morning at Epsom racecourse on May 26, 2015 in Epsom, England.
Image: Elm Park is back in light work

Elm Park is back in light exercise after being given a prolonged break following his disappointing run in the Investec Derby.

Last year's Racing Post Trophy hero ran a fine race to finish third in the Dante at York on his seasonal reappearance, chasing home subsequent Derby one-two Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, but was unable to lay a glove on that pair on fast ground at Epsom.

Having returned home sore, the son of Phoenix Reach was given some summer downtime by trainer Andrew Balding, who hopes to have his charge back on a racecourse next month.

"He was pretty sore after the Derby. The ground was quick enough for him and nothing went right for him, but he's had some time off and some veterinary attention and is back trotting now," the trainer told At The Races.

"The Derby is the one race you only get one shot at, so I don't regret running and we always knew we'd be able to give him plenty of time after the race if things didn't work out.

"That was the case and the one thing I would say is his Dante form looks pretty strong now.

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"I'd hope he'll be ready for a run somewhere in the middle of August."

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