Trainer Aidan O’Brien has admitted that he will have to wait and check on the ground before deciding if Air Force Blue can race in next month’s Darley July Cup.
The three-year-old is expected to run in the race at Newmarket but his last two performances have flattered to deceive.
O’Brien was hoping the champion juvenile would make a big impression over a mile this season but he was well below his best in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in April.
He failed to show any power as Frankie Dettori guided Galileo Gold to victory.
He then tried over a mile again in the Irish equivalent but the ground was too soft once and he was well beaten.
After finishing 12th and seventh in his last two races, sceptics have already claimed he could be on the decline.
The bay colt was supplemented for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last week but connections decided to pull him out due to the heavy rainfall.
The race was eventually won by Quiet Reflection but O’Brien insists his team are still confident of more wins in the near future.
Air Force Blue has won on four occasions in his seven career starts so far and O’Brien admits he will be back if the ground dries up.
He said: “He won’t run again until the ground is good or faster, but we are happy with him.
“Hopefully, the next target for him will be the July Cup.”
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