On pedigree, Taqneen wouldn't be out of place among racing's elite during The Championships.

The reality is much different and Taqneen's future will probably be as a hurdler or steeplechaser.

Regally bred Taqneen goes to Mornington on Saturday to run over 3400m in the second heat of the Marathon Series.

A $360,000 yearling purchase for Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stud, Taqneen is by Lonhro out of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva.

After five starts for Lindsay Park, Taqneen was picked up by Cranbourne trainer Mick Bell for $5500 at an Inglis sale.

Bell thought Taqneen may have fetched more although a wind operation more than likely turned a few potential buyers away.

"Shadwell probably made the right decision," Bell said.

"He wasn't up to what they wanted, but he hasn't let us down.

"People try and make a dill of you, but we only paid five-and-a-half grand for him and he's actually won that back in dribs and drabs."

Taqneen has one win, at the picnics at Balnarring on Australia Day, and a further three second placings and Bell has no regrets buying the gelding.

While Taqneen won't live up to his parents, both Horse of the Year winners, he may yet make a name for himself over jumps.

"He's a lovely horse. He's only four but he's done quite a bit of schooling and he's quite good at it," Bell said.