Walker has not yet decided on the next moves for Almaqam

Ed Walker is still considering the best options for his highly promising Sandown winner, Almaqam.

The Heron Stakes victor is set for Royal Ascot, but Walker has yet to decide whether to challenge the 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech in the St James’s Palace Stakes or to step Almaqam up to distance of10 furlongs for the Hampton Court.

“We haven’t decided yet; we’re going to see how he is working, speak to the team, and make a plan,” said Walker. “It will either be the St James’s Palace or the Hampton Court, but we haven’t made a decision yet. I can’t see 10 furlongs being an issue, but he has plenty of speed. I think if there was a mile in Group Three or Group Two, we’d probably go for that, but there was not. So, it’s either go in the deep end or a bit more progression – but I don’t think the Hampton Court will be easy anyway. He’s an exciting horse either way.”

Another promising three-year-old in Walker’s yard is Harper’s Ferry, who encountered issues when refusing to enter the stalls before the Dee Stakes at Chester.

With a handicap mark of 88, Harper’s Ferry still has numerous options.