Muhaarar extends summer sprint spree in France

The son of Oasis Dream could step up again in distance for the seven-furlong Prix de la Forêt on Arc day

Air Force Blue on his way to victory at the Curragh (PA)

Muhaarar completed a Group One summer hat-trick at Deauville by adding victory in the Prix Maurice de Gheest to his successes in the Commonwealth Cup and July Cup. The Charlie Hills-trained colt scored by half a length and the same from Esoterique and Gordon Lord Byron in the six-and-a-half-furlong contest.

The son of Oasis Dream could step up again in distance for the seven-furlong Prix de la Forêt on Arc day, although the Haydock Sprint Cup over six furlongs will also be considered.

“We need to see how he comes out of this but, whatever happens, looking further ahead I wouldn’t mind having a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Mile,” Hills said.

Air Force Blue put himself at the head of the betting for next year’s 2000 Guineas when reversing Royal Ascot form with Buratino in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his eighth win in the Group One event in 11 years.

“He settled, travelled and quickened up well today, and he was very professional,” O’Brien said. “He put it to bed very quickly and he galloped out well.”

The trainer added that this year’s 2,000 Guineas winner Gleneagles is likely to run in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville next Sunday rather than take on the Derby winner Golden Horn at York on Wednesday week.

In Germany, the Luca Cumani-trained Second Step landed the Group One Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten under Jamie Spencer. The Irish St Leger is a likely next target.