Saturday 11 July 2015 18:34, UK
Arod could face crack performers Solow and Gleneagles after he ran his rivals into submission with a superb all-the-way win in the Group Two Fred Cowley MBE Memorial Summer Mile at Ascot.
Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam admits he may now have to take the plunge and seriously consider the Group One Qatar Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood for his talented four-year-old, as long as conditions are suitably fast.
Should all go well there, a trip to Australia later in the year for the Cox Plate could be on the cards.
There was plenty to like about Arod, who looks to have found his niche over a mile for the time being after winning twice over a mile and a quarter last term when he was also a creditable fourth in the Investec Derby.
Andrea Atzeni ensured it was a true test as he bounced the 6-4 favourite out of the stalls to make the running.
True to plan, he had the opposition cooked a furlong out, although Lightning Spear, wearing the same colours of Qatar Racing as the winner, finished with a flourish after having difficulty getting a run.
However, the winner had flown, was in no danger and still a length and a half in front at the line.
Sky Bet cut the runner-up to 6/1 from 8s for the Betfred Mile Handicap at Goodwood while the winner is 12/1 from 16s for the Breeders' Cup Mile with the same firm.
"He's improved again and Andrea said it was slightly easier than last time (Diomed Stakes at Epsom)," said Chapple-Hyam.
"He has to have the ground fast. If it was good to soft I wouldn't have run him.
"We'll see how he is and how he comes out of it, but we'll have to look at the Sussex. I can't duck away forever.
"Hopefully it will be fast ground and the track will suit him, so that's where we probably will go.
"Australia is possible at the end of the year. Sheikh Fahad (owner) has mentioned the Cox Plate."