Godolphin yesterday revealed a new battle plan for its assault on the Kentucky Derby. All eight entries for the US triple crown, including long-time 2,000 Guineas favourite, Aljabr, have been put in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 10th.

Besides Aljabr, Sheikh Mohammed's squad of Always Believe, Breathtaking View, Charmes, Comeonmom, Festive Bid, Prado's Landing and Worldly Manner are entered in the nine-furlong Grade One contest.

Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: "The Blue Grass Stakes is a traditional trial for the Kentucky Derby and British challenger Bold Arrangement ran in the race before going on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby in 1986.

"Although we have stated that our plans are to head straight to the Kentucky Derby from Dubai, it is important that we keep all our options open. And it may well be that we will send a horse to this race.

"Our plans depend very much on what happens during the first trial race in Dubai at Nad Al Sheba which will take place in the second half of March, have other horses in it, and more than likely be over nine furlongs.

"At that time we will be making decisions about the horses and deciding what the last preparation stages are going to be. They are making good progress at this point and it is too early to single out one particular horse.

"Obviously the high-profile horses Worldly Manner, Comeonmom, and Aljabr are pleasing us and doing everything right.

"All the eight horses are in fast work at the moment at Al Quoz, our private training facility which has a nine-furlong sand oval track.

"We will be looking to take a select team of horses to the Churchill Downs meeting. These will be picked closer to the time. We are examining the options of when to travel to the United States with the horses."

Lindsay Charnock was handed a three-day ban by the Southwell stewards for causing interference to another horse when winning the Beesthorpe Claiming Stakes on Lost Spirit.