Muhaarar set for Ascot after pleasing in Lingfield gallop

Muhaarar pleased connections ahead the Qipco British Champions Sprint at Ascot in two weeks' time with a racecourse gallop at Lingfield on Thursday.

The triple Group One winner was partnered by Paul Hanagan in the routine piece of work over five and a half furlongs on the Polytrack with two lead horses.

"We were all very happy. It was just what the doctor ordered," said trainer Charlie Hills.

"Ascot is the next target and then we'll take it from there.

"It was on the bridle stuff, just going through the motions."

Muhaarar has proved himself to be the leading three-year-old sprinter in Europe, winning the Commonwealth Cup, Darley July Cup and Prix Maurice de Gheest.

Hills was speaking from the United States where he is supervising Dutch Connection's run in the Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland on Saturday.

The Jersey Stakes victor will be bidding to return to winning ways after valiant placed efforts in the Prix Jean Prat and Lennox Stakes.

"He travelled over great and I'm happy with him," said the Lambourn handler.