Maarek likely for Ascot Trainer David Nagle is favouring a trip to Ascot with Ayr Gold Cup third Maarek. The five-year-old defied top weight to finish just under four lengths behind Captain Ramius at the Scottish track last Saturday, just a week after notching a Group Three win at the Curragh. Nagle was thrilled with his effort and is now looking towards the Group Two Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on October 20 with his charge. However, while unlikely at present, a crack at next weekend's Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp has not been completely ruled out. "At the moment I would be leaning towards Ascot rather than the Abbaye," said the County Tipperary handler. "He likes a stiff six furlongs and obviously the Abbaye is only over five. "We will keep our options open, but it would have to come up very soft for him to take his chance at Longchamp. "The Abbaye is one of those races where you could run it 10 times and get 10 different results - you need a lot of luck there. "We were delighted with him at Ayr. He likes a fast pace and if they'd have gone a bit faster early on last Saturday he might have been second, but he wouldn't have caught the winner. "It was always going to be a big ask off his rating but he's a super horse and is just so consistent." If Maarek does go to Ascot, it is likely to be his final outing of the year. Nagle added: "I would think (it would be his last start) as there's not that many races left for him this year off his 114 rating."
