JOHN OXX immediately nominated this evening's Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown as the next target for Sharazan after the colt had won a 12-furlong maiden over the Foxrock course earlier this month.

Unraced at two, Sharazan made a satisfactory start to his career at the Curragh in March, finishing fourth over a mile to Dathuil. Back at the same venue the following month, he took up the running four furlongs out, but had no answer when the highly-regarded Zagreb arrived on the scene with his challenge.

The extra two furlongs at Leopardstown were very much in his favour and he outstayed the opposition in convincing style and the form was made distinctly useful when the third horse, Song Of The Sword, was successful at Roscommon on Monday. The time of the race, however, was over seven seconds slower than a handicap over the same trip earlier in the afternoon.

Jim Bolger runs Catalyst in preference to last year's winner, Mohaajir. This Sadler's Wells filly made a winning start to her career at Gowran and could be useful. The Weld representative, Humbel, however, has much stronger credentials and his victories last season included the Blandford Stakes. He is likely to be Sharazan's toughest challenger.