CLASSIC CALL; Xtension heading for Guineas.

Byline: Garry Owen

CLIVECOXfirmlybelieveshehas a serious candidate for the stanjames.com 2000 Guineas in Xtension despite the colt's narrow defeat in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes.

Xtension is generally available at around 25-1 for the Classic after he emerged from an 11-week break to go under by a neck and a nose to the Aidan O'Brien-trained pair Beethoven andFencing MasteratNewmarket.

"He's come out of it fine and I'mvery happy indeed," said the Lambourn trainer.

"It was a good performance and we were delighted, he has kept a progressive profile all the way through the season.

"Wehavecampaignedhimverymuch with the intention of not giving the horse too busy a time and looking forward to next year.We still believe we haveaveryexcitingprospect.

"He will be aimed at the Guineas. I don'tknowabout prepraces or anything like that.Wewill seehowhewinters first.

"Afew reports said they thought itwas not the hottest of Dewhursts but I think the time speaks for itself. It was a solidly runraceandthetimewasgood."

Nextyear'sPrixdel'ArcdeTriomphe is the main objective for Sariska, who signed off for the campaign with a creditable effort in the Emirates Airline ChampionStakes.

ThedualOakswinnerwasaclosethird behind the year-older colts,Twice Over and Mawatheeq, at Newmarket on Saturday even though the ground and distancewerenotideal.

Trainer Michael Bell said. "I thought over a tripthatwasarguably short of her best she still performed really well.

"Theground,althoughitwasaperfect racing surface, was also quicker than ideal forherpreference.

"We have a lot to look forward to next year and the ultimate goal would be the Arc and we just hope that we get Sariska's ground."

CAPTION(S):

CLASSIC BOUND: Xtension (centre) faces some very ambitious targets next season