Crimean Tatar could be aimed at the Yorkshire Cup at York next month

Crimean Tatar could be aimed at the Yorkshire Cup at York next month following his fine effort in defeat at Newbury on Saturday.

On what was just the third start of his career, the Hugo Palmer-trained four-year-old made good late headway to finish fourth in the race registered as the John Porter Stakes, beaten two lengths behind winner and St Leger fourth Muntahaa.

Rob Speers, racing manager to owner Ibrahim Araci, said: "We were delighted with Crimean Tatar on what was only the third start of his life and second start on turf.

"James Doyle was very impressed with him and said he gave him a great response. He is a three-parts brother to Mizzou who finished second in the Ascot Gold Cup.

"The way he stayed on he looks like he is crying out for a step up in trip. He is in the Yorkshire Cup and that is under consideration. He would also appreciate getting his toe in a bit more."

The Palmer/Araci combination were fifth with the front-running Via Serendipity in the Greenham Stakes on the same card.

Speers said: "He ran a very nice race under Josephine Gordon. He missed a piece of work last week and he may have held on to third had he have done that piece of work, as he got a little tired in the last half-furlong.

"We will see what the handicapper does, but on the back of finishing fifth in the Greenham he won't be going to the Guineas. If his mark goes up to a sensible level he could easily be a Britannia horse.

"Going up to a mile where he can take a lead will help him as opposed to making the running. He could be a genuine top-end handicapper."