English maestro William Haggas is keen on sending Royal Ascot hero Almeraq to Newmarket for the July Cup but he isn't keen on asking Maltese Cross to attempt a classic revenge mission in the Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday.

Haggas provided Racing And Sports with an update on his stable stars after training four winners at the Royal Ascot carnival including Almeraq's fast-finishing win in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, edging out Japan's Satono Reve, Australia's Joliestar and France's Stolen Kiss in an international four-way thriller.

Joliestar will be aimed at the Group 1 $20 million The Everest at Royal Randwick in October, Satono Reve is also in the conversation, but any consideration of bringing Almeraq to Sydney have been put on hold at least until after the July Cup at Newmarket on July 11.

"I would think the July Cup is the natural step for sure with this horse,'' said Haggas before acknowledging the international competition which contributed to the exciting Jubilee Stakes finish.

"May I say I'm very sorry for the Japanese horse, it'd have been lovely to have had a Japanese winner (at Royal Ascot).

"It's terrific that they come across the world to race here and support our biggest meeting. I'm delight to beat them but long may it continue.''

Haggas nearly had a Group 1 double at Royal Ascot with the very talented More Thunder closing fast for a half length second to Ten Bob Tony in the Queen Anne Stakes.

"More Thunder has finished second in two Group 1 races this year now which is rather upsetting,'' Haggas said.

"But hopefully he will win one and find a place at stud sometime soon but he's a very good horse.''

Haggas narrowly missed out on English Derby glory when Maltese Cross ran second to Christmas Day at Epsom earlier this month.

But Haggas isn't going to take Maltese Cross to The Curragh on Sunday for the Irish Derby.

"The Irish Derby is next weekend but I think that comes too quickly for Maltese Cross,'' Haggas said.

"He will probably go for a Group 1 race in Longchamp called the Grand Prix de Paris on July 14.''

Haggas even hinted Maltese Cross could be a Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup contender next year.

"I believe he is going to be a lovely horse and he might come down your way one day,'' Haggas said.

"I see him as a really good staying horse. He has it all to do yet but is well on his way.''

Aritcle: Ray Thomas, International Editor for Racing and Sports

Photo: Pat Healy Photography