Wednesday 15 July 2015 11:59, UK
The Celebration Mile at Goodwood has been identified as a likely target for Lightning Spear following his admirable effort in defeat at Ascot on Saturday.
Trainer Olly Stevens considered several weekend options for his unbeaten four-year-old and eventually sided with a step up to Group Two level in the Summer Mile, neglecting handicap opportunities in the Bunbury Cup and the John Smith's Cup.
Lightning Spear suffered the first reverse of his career in Berkshire, finding fellow Qatar Racing-owned colt Arod too strong, but Stevens is happy he made the right decision.
He said: "He has come out of the race very well, but there are no big developments as to where he'll run next.
"I think the Celebration Mile at Goodwood (August 29) is probably an obvious and logical target and he might have another run before then.
"He would look to be well-in for the Betfred Mile at Glorious Goodwood (July 31) , but we'll just let the horse tell us when he's ready to go again and obviously discuss plans with his owners. It will be a team decision.
"To beat the horses that he beat on Saturday, we can only be happy. Arod is an exceptional horse, so to finish second to him, coming home well, was a really good effort.
"People will say we missed out on winning a big handicap, but at the end of the day Qatar Racing are keen to make him a stallion prospect and that is what we're trying to do."
