Thursday 28 August 2014 12:59, UK
Connections have not lost faith in Maarek despite the star sprinter fluffing his lines coming out of the stalls at the Curragh on Saturday.
Either the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock on Saturday week or the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on September 14 will be the next port of call for last year's Prix de l'Abbaye hero after he finished a never-nearer eighth of nine to Jamesie.
Trainer Evanna McCutcheon has drawn a line through that effort from her stable star when he blew all chance by losing several lengths at the start in the Group Three Renaissance Stakes.
Maarek needs cut in the ground to be seen at his best so McCutcheon has to keep a close eye on the weather before firming up plans.
"His chance had gone when the gates opened, but Declan (McDonogh, jockey) said he was delighted with the way he ran. That he felt fantastic and loved the ground," said the County Tipperary handler.
"Unfortunately these things happen, but we've put it behind us and the horse is 100% anyway. We were very happy with him except of course for being slowly away.
"It will be either Haydock or Champions weekend in Ireland. A decision has still to be made. We'll talk to the owners and see where we want to go. We're focusing on one of those two.
"He's in the Abbaye and he'll be in the Champions' Sprint at Ascot. He'll be in them all. We'll just take it one at a time.
"A lot will depend on the weather. I think they've had a lot of rain in Haydock this week, but whether they will have it next week we'll have to see.
"These weather forecasts are the bane of my life!"
