Sulamani could run at Ascot

Sulamani, brilliant winner of the French Derby, could take on the cream of European middle-distance horses in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot next month.

But if connections decide to give the Pascal Bary-trained colt a summer break then he would return in the Prix Niel at Longchamp in September en route to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-Lucien Barriere the following month.

"If Mr Bary thinks the horse needs a race before the autumn he could run in the King George. If not, it would probably be the Prix Niel in preparation for the Arc, so we are just taking it as it comes," said Alan Cooper, racing manager to owner-breeders the Niarchos family.

"It will be the King George if we think he needs a race in the summer, but we might put him by until September. We will be guided by Mr Bary.

"The horse is absolutely fine. He has come out of his race in the Prix du Jockey-Club well, but having had four races in seven weeks, he needs a break.

"That was a big effort at Chantilly."