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Longchamp news: William Haggas' Muthmir run hinges on ground

A quick double for Paul Hanagan as Muthmir routs his field in the Portland
Image: Muthmir: Showed all his class in the Portland at Doncaster

Muthmir will only run in the Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp on October 5 if the ground is suitable.

The William Haggas-trained sprinter was an electrifying winner of the Portland Handicap at Doncaster, breaking the track record despite stumbling coming out of the stalls and meeting trouble in running.

However, he needs a sound surface to be seen at his best and it is unusual for the French meeting to be run on fast ground.

Owner Hamdan Al Maktoum's racing manager Angus Gold said: "It's only a possibility at this stage.

"William Haggas asked if we would consider running him there if conditions were suitable.

"We'll just have to wait and see what the ground will be like. It's still two weeks away so anything could happen."

"It's a huge jump up from a Portland to an Abbaye, but Muthmir must surely be Group class to win the former from close to top weight and by two lengths after a stumble at the start and a troubled passage during the race," said Power.

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Gold also had news of one of the leading contenders for next year's 2000 Guineas, Faydhan, who has had his season curtailed by injury.

"He definitely won't run again this season," said Gold of the John Gosden-trained colt.

"We've just run out of time with him so that will be it."

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