Ghaiyyath to bypass Arc assignment as Appleby looks to next year

Godolphin's one-time Derby hope Ghaiyyath will not be set the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe challenge in two weeks' time but could be a serious challenger next year, according to trainer Charlie Appleby.

Saturday's Group 3 Prix du Prince d'Orange winner may have another race this season but it would be over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip that was used for his successful weekend comeback after nearly a year off.

The beautifully bred son of Dubawi out of Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Nightime holds the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes entry at Ascot on October 20 but connections have the option of the Group 2 Qatar Prix Dollar on the Saturday of Arc weekend.

Appleby said on Monday: "We're going to see how he is this week and will wait to formulate plans towards the end of the week.

"He lost a lot of time and raced on soft ground on Saturday, so he might have taken more out of himself, but we've held him in high regard and a mile and a half is going to be his trip next year.

"He's a horse for next year and we'll bear that in mind in making any decisions."

Regardless of whether Ghaiyyath runs, Godolphin are still likely to have a challenger in the Prix Dollar in the shape of non-staying St Leger tenth Loxley.

Appleby added: "Everyone could see Old Persian and Loxley blatantly didn't get home in the Leger. Both came out of the race well but Old Persian is having the rest of the season off. He'll be back over a mile and a half next year.

Loxley: set to drop back in trip after failing to stay in the St LegerCredit: Scott Burton

"Both William [Buick] and James [Doyle] said we could potentially drop Loxley back to ten furlongs. He's in the Dollar and could go for it."

Appleby's Prix Niel winner Brundtland is also bound for Longchamp but will be stepping up in trip on Arc Saturday for the 1m7f Qatar Prix Chaudenay.

"It was a solid performance in the Niel and Brundtland is one of those horses who's not flashy at home or in his races but gets it done," said the trainer.

Appleby added that Group 1 Nassau Stakes winner Wild Illusion "is in great order" and on course for the Prix de l'Opera at the meeting where she won the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac last year.

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