Muhaarar is more likely to run in the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot than in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 5.

The Charlie Hills-trained three-year-old, a near-certainty to be crowned champion sprinter after winning a third Group One this season in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday, is not expected to be inconvenienced by the possibility of soft ground at Ascot in October.

Angus Gold, owner Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s racing manager, told At The Races: “I haven’t spoken to Sheikh Hamdam, but his initial thought straight after the race was to give Haydock a miss, give him a little freshen-up and head to Ascot on Champions Day.

“He’s won there and the uphill finish will suit. By that stage, we’ll have had a bit of rain, and Paul (Hanagan) feels that won’t stop him.

“He won his maiden last year on bad ground at Doncaster so that would look favourite option at the moment. “If he goes to the Breeders’ Cup it will be for the Mile.

“Charles and his team think he’s more of a seven-furlong horse, and maybe even a miler, so I wouldn’t think he would be Breeders’ Cup Sprint-bound, though plans can change. “

Sheikh Hamdan has said he won’t be staying in training. I’m almost certain he’ll be retired to stud at the end of the year.”