Tom Hogan with Gordon Lord Byron© Photo Healy Racing
Connections of Gordon Lord Byron are hopeful he can acquit himself well in his bid to win back-to-back renewals of the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot.
The seven-year-old has had an interrupted season, but took a step in the right direction in the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs after disappointing at Haydock in a race in which he has usually performed with great credit down the years.
"I've been very happy with him since he came back from France," said trainer Tom Hogan.
"He trapped a nerve in his back at Haydock, which was why he ran like he did - he's had niggles all year, really.
"The only times we've had him right were in Deauville (Maurice de Gheest) and one day at the Curragh so I hope he stays right for this.
"The time was very fast in the Foret. When they go flat out like that, six furlongs is far enough for him.
"It was a very encouraging run, though, and we're 4lb better off for a length with Muhaarar from Deauville.
"There are lots of nice horses drawn around him and while it's very competitive I hope he'll be picking up some more prize-money."
Muhaarar has surely already done enough to be crowned champion sprinter for the season but Charlie Hills feels he is in the best condition of his life for what is likely to be his final run.
Winner of the Gimcrack last season, he returned this term by winning the Greenham at Newbury - a victory which convinced connections to run him over a mile in the French Guineas.
While he was not disgraced from a car-park draw, he reverted to sprinting for the inaugural Commonwealth Cup and bolted up, before following up in the July Cup at Newmarket and the Prix Maurice de Gheest over six and a half furlongs.
Off the track for 69 days prior to this run, the Sheikh Hamdan-owned colt is almost certain to be retired whatever happens at Ascot.
"I definitely think physically he has done well for the break. His weight is a lot higher than when he last ran," said Hills.
"He's got a huge amount of talent as well and we know he likes Ascot. I'm looking forward to running him over a stiff six (furlongs) again."
One of his biggest dangers could be stablemate Strath Burn, narrowly touched off in the Sprint Cup at Haydock.
"He (Strath Burn) is a horse that's going to get better with age, but he could run a really big race on Saturday." said the Lambourn handler.
"He's improving. They never work together at all so I don't know how they compare.
"With Strath Burn, whatever he does this year is going to be a huge bonus."
One horse who was originally taken out of the race before having to be supplemented is The Tin Man, who won really well over course and distance earlier this month.
Trainer James Fanshawe said: "We thought long and hard about what to do, but the horse is in great form and the ground looks like it is going to be drying out a bit, which should suit him.
