Watson has Deauville option

Winker Watson could make a quick return to action in Sunday’s Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.

The Piccolo colt finished fourth in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last week, just three and a half lengths behind Henrythenavigator.

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam is now considering a step down in trip for Winker Watson, with the six-and-a-half furlong Group One in France a possible option.

He said: “I was delighted with his run in the Sussex Stakes but Ryan Moore felt he just didn’t quite get home.

“He seems to have come out of his race fine and Roy Carter, who rides him at home, says the horse has improved again.

“We are considering supplementing him on Thursday for this Sunday’s Prix Maurice de Gheest but will look at the ground. We wouldn’t want it to be soft over there but I’m keen to go if possible,” he told www.peterchapplehyam.com.

Plans are on hold for Tariq who finished fifth of the six runners in the Sussex.

Chapple-Hyam added: “He has come back a little sore and the ground just proved too quick for him.”