Elwateen backed to shine again after Oaks disappointment

Saeed bin Suroor is retaining plenty of belief in Elwateen, as he eyes dropping back in trip with his Betfred Oaks seventh.

The Shadwell-owned daughter of Dubawi was supplemented into the fillies’ Classic after finishing an eyecatching fourth in the 1000 Guineas, but in her first try at a mile and a half, she failed to stay as Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk held off stablemate Whirl.

Her trainer now believes a return to a mile will suit with the lightly-raced three-year-old who still has plenty of potential.

“I don’t think the filly stayed and maybe we will drop her back to a mile,” said Bin Suroor.

“I think the ground was a little bit soft for her and it’s the first time she had run on good to soft.

“We will take her home and she how she is and I think a mile and good ground will be good for her.

“There are plenty of races throughout the season. I think she is a very good filly, but maybe we get a confidence-booster into her in a Group Two or Group Three.”