The Group 1 Qatar Racing British Champions Long Distance Cup (3200m) will see the Group 1 Prix du Cadran (4000m) winner Caballo De Mar back up quickly in search of another top-level staying prize.

Two weeks after his Longchamp triumph, George Scott’s Caballo De Mar will aim to retain dominance in the division, despite facing a mixed season. The gelding had struggled to find his best form after a disappointing run in the Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup (3800’), but a

confidence boosting victory at Doncaster saw Caballo De Mar return to his best to record a second successive Cadran.

Scott said: “He’s come out of Paris very well. He’s given us all the right signs and we’ve been delighted with him.

“The key with him is keeping him fresh and happy. We’ve changed the way we ride him and train him a little bit, and he’s a horse that seems to be evolving all the time.

The staying contest may not remain between the two main protagonists, with Joseph O’Brien supplementing his Group 1 St Leger (2800m) winner Highwayman. The three-year-old took a drastic step forward on his previously progressive form when tried over the longer distance at Doncaster, ridden by Saffie Osborne.

“Highwayman has been supplemented for the staying race,” said O’Brien. “He’s had a good preparation. I’m happy with him and he’s trained well since Doncaster. It’s a step up to go against the older horses and up further in distance. Hopefully, he can cope with it.”

Stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, who had been sidelined due to injury, will take the ride.

The Wathnan Racing-owned Gregory suffered a small setback in the early part of the season, but an easy win in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes (3200m) at Newmarket suggested the six year old has lost none of his ability.

“Gregory in the British Champions Long Distance Cup – he comes off the back of a nice win at Newmarket in a Listed race,” said retained rider James Doyle. “ It wasn’t much of a race but he should take a great deal of confidence from that. There’s a few that might be backing up quickly from the Cadran, so it could be tough.”

Photo: Healy Racing