Charlton relies on Avonbridge

Patavellian will sidestep the totepool Diadem Stakes in favour of a tilt at the Prix de l’Abbaye – a race he won in 2003.

The seven-year-old will head to France on Arc day rather than Newmarket this Sunday after Roger Charlton made the decision to keep Avonbridge in the race instead.

“There is nothing wrong with Patavellian whatsoever it’s just that we had him entered in the Diadem in case Avonbridge did not run,” explained the Beckhampton handler.

The Machiavellian gelding was a one-length winner of the Abbaye in 2003 and was not disgraced on less-than-ideal ground when finishing seventh behind Var in last year’s renewal.

Patavellian, who made a pleasing return to winning ways at Yarmouth earlier in the month, could line up for the race alongside Milton Bradley’s The Tatling and Barry Hills’ La Cucaracha, who are both being considered for the Group One contest at Longchamp.

Meanwhile, Charlton confirmed Blue Monday is “well on course” to take his chance in the totesport Cambridgeshire on Saturday week.

Ladbrokes have cut Charlton’s four-year-old, who finished second behind Star Of Light in the John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury last weekend, from 10s to 8-1 favourite to take the Newmarket feature.