Clive Cox takes care not to make Reckless claims over Abbaye

Clive Cox is cautious over Reckless Abandon’s chances (Getty Images)

Clive Cox is hopeful Reckless Abandon will be ready to return to action in the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp on 6 October.

The Lambourn trainer has reported the three-year-old colt to be over the hamstring problem that prevented him from running in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock earlier this month. "Obviously we were disappointed he didn't run at Haydock. He has responded well to treatment and I'm pleased he's moving forward," said Cox.

"The time that it has taken to get him back on the right road I'm still hopeful he may make the Abbaye, but in the scheme of things it's still a little bit early to commit. He was so well going into the Haydock race. Sadly what happened with his hamstring has held us up, but that has responded well to treatment and hopefully continues to remain good."

Reckless Abandon won two Group Ones races as he went through his juvenile campaign undefeated in five starts, but has yet to hit the target in just two races this term. He has been overshadowed by the exploits of his stablemate Lethal Force, who has shown himself to be a top-class sprinter with victories in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and July Cup.

His under-par display in the Sprint Cup was put down to the rain-softened ground and while Cox is happy with the four-year-old, connections are in no hurry to make plans.

"He's in good form with himself, there's no doubting that, but we're just sat tight at the moment," said Cox. "No plans have been made yet."

Meanwhile Sun Central has been ruled out of the Emirates Melbourne Cup after suffering a setback.

William Haggas had entered the four-year-old for the 5 November feature after he won Listed races at York and Chester on his last two starts, but he will not be taking up his antipodean engagement.

Haggas said: "He has had a setback and unfortunately he won't be going. Hopefully he'll make it next year instead."