Donjuan Triumphant set to drop in grade after Royal Ascot flop

Donjuan Triumphant could be dropped in grade after failing to feature in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Although the three-year-old holds an entry in next month's Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville, connections of the Richard Fahey-trained colt are favouring a shot at the Group Three Prix de Meautry at the same track on August 28 instead.

After finding only Quiet Reflection too strong on his return in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in May, the son of Dream Ahead beat just one home when promoted back to Group One level at the Royal meeting.

Tim Palin, spokesman for owner Middleham Park Racing, said: "To try to pigeon hole it, we think he bounced. He put in a big effort on his return in the Sandy Lane and this sort of thing often happens on their second run when they have had a break.

"Equally though, he could just not be good enough and maybe he was in the form of his life at the end of his two-year-old career. We have given him a bit of a break and given him an entry in the Maurice de Gheest and the Park Stakes at Doncaster.

"The Prix de Meautry is also in the mix and that is probably the favourite at the moment as he has lost his Group Two penalty for this race."