Trainer Roger Teal admits he is leaning towards the Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock with Oxted as he looks to avoid a clash with Battaash.
The four-year-old has continued to impress since racing returned, winning back-to-back races at Newmarket, and he was heading for a showdown with Battaash.
Oxted and King George Qatar Stakes winner Battaash were being tipped to go head-to-head at York‘s Nunthorpe Stakes on August 21.
However, Teal feels his charge might not be ready to tackle Charlie Hills‘ superstar and has hinted they could head to Haydock instead.
Teal said: “We haven’t totally struck off the Nunthorpe but the favourite is the Sprint Cup at Haydock. We’d be dropping back in trip if we went to York and I think he could do that because he travels very strongly but you never know as he hasn’t run over that distance in Group 1 company.
“The problem, of course, would be turning up against Battaash. He just destroys you in the first two furlongs of those five furlong races. I’d like to try it but you’d don’t really want to be taking on horses like him when you do try it.
“I think we’re probably better off staying at six as he has proven he’s top-class over that distance.
“He’s all good at the moment and has just gone back into full work after we gave him a nice break after the July Cup.”
