Wednesday 24 August 2016 16:30, UK
Robin Of Navan is no means certain to line up for the Ladbrokes St Leger - despite standing his ground at the latest confirmation stage for the world's oldest Classic at Doncaster on September 10.
Trainer Harry Dunlop has other options for his smart three-year-old, including the September Stakes at Kempton seven days earlier and the Prix Niel at Chantilly on September 11.
"We've left him in the Leger. He's also in the Prix Niel and it might be he runs in the September Stakes," said Dunlop.
"All options are open at this stage.
"He got hurt in the French Derby, but he is on the way back now.
"He did beat (Leger favourite) Idaho but that was obviously a long time ago. It might just be the Leger is a step too far, too soon."
Muntahaa could take his chance after charting an unorthodox route towards Doncaster by winning a handicap at Chester last weekend.
"Until John Gosden says he doesn't to run him in the Leger, I think he will be aimed at it," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum.
"He's been backward and he's got plenty to learn, which is why John wanted to go to Chester with him.
"It's an unconventional route, but we needed to teach him and John said he'd rather go there than take Idaho on.
"He might not be good enough to win a Leger, but he's certainly good enough to run in it."
Gosden is also responsible for Wings Of Desire after 25 horses were left in the Town Moor showpiece.
He was fourth in Investec Derby, four lengths and one place behind the Aidan O'Brien-trained Idaho, who cemented his place at the head of the market when winning the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last week.
Idaho, who was also second in the Irish Derby, is among 10 entries for O'Brien.
Voltigeur runner-up Housesofparliament, Sword Fighter, Somehow and Pretty Perfect are also in the reckoning for the Ballydoyle team.
Red Verdon, who has finished sixth in the English Derby and fourth in the Irish equivalent, is heading for Doncaster after his fine effort to take second place in the mile-and-a-half Grand Prix de Paris at Saint-Cloud in July.
"Red Verdon has had a good break since France. We decided to miss York and, all being well, the plan is to go to Doncaster," said his trainer Ed Dunlop (Harry's brother).
"There is obviously a short-priced favourite (Idaho) who was very impressive at York. We will have to improve to beat him, for sure, but we will give it a go.
"I don't know about the step up in trip. His pedigree doesn't scream that he will stay but he has been finishing strongly over a mile and a half.
"He also relaxes well in his races and that will give him every chance of getting the trip."
