Tullius takes HQ route to Ascot's Qipco Champion Stakes

Tullius is to warm up for a speculative crack at the Qipco Champion Stakes with a run in the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket.

Connections of the Andrew Balding-trained seven-year-old feel he now needs further than the mile over which he has mainly been campaigned in the previous few seasons.

Tullius showed he stays when winning the Group Two Sky Bet Stakes over an extended mile and a quarter at York in July.

He found the mile too short when fifth to Kodi Bear in the Sovereign Stakes at Salisbury - a race he won three years ago - on his latest start.

"He had a couple of weeks' mini-break at Chris Bonner's, Andrew's assistant, and is going to go for the Joel Stakes at Newmarket on September 25," said Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds.

"That should tee him up for the Champion Stakes on Champions Day. I know it will be very tough, but if the ground is soft he's got a place squeak and there's lots of money all the way down.

"He's well and I think a mile now is too quick for him. At Salisbury, Kodi Bear set a slow pace then quickened. He wouldn't have beaten Kodi Bear unless he sprouted wings.

"He probably needs 10 furlongs now. I know the Newmarket race is nine, but it will be a prep race for Ascot.

"Ascot will be more of a test of stamina, but I think it's worth the risk."