Royal Ascot hero Trip To Paris could return on World Cup night

Trip To Paris, the 2015 Gold Cup winner at Royal Ascot, could make his 2017 debut in the Dubai equivalent on World Cup night with trainer Ed Dunlop pinpointing the desert two-miler on March 25 for his stable star.

The six-year-old has not won in eight starts since his win at Royal Ascot but his trainer believes he may well be over whatever was ailing him last year, when the best he managed was fourth behind Quest For More in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup, a performance which earned a Racing Post Rating some 8lb inferior to his career best.

On the impending Flat season, Dunlop said: "Everything is fine, it's all a month away so it's gearing up. We might have a runner or two in Dubai, Trip To Paris could run in the two-mile race.

"He's in good form. We were never totally happy with him last year. He's had a long holiday turned out and he seems much better this year, but the proof of the pudding will be when he starts racing."

If Trip To Paris does go to Dubai he will bring back a new member of staff with him as Antonio Fresu, who is riding in Dubai, will join the Dunlop team for 2017.

Dunlop said: "He was with Ed Walker last year and we were looking for someone decent and lightweight to come and ride out for us and have some rides. He arrives back at the end of the Dubai season."