Royal Ascot could be next on the agenda for Maarek following his eclipse at the Curragh last Saturday

The seven-year-old won the Duke of York Stakes on the Knavesmire earlier this month and trainer Evanna McCutcheon opted to make a swift return to tackle the Greenlands Stakes just 10 days later, when he finished second to Slade Power.

McCutcheon feels he lost little in defeat and while he is entered in Sunday's Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly, Maarek is now likely to be lined up for a crack at either the King's Stand or Diamond Jubilee Stakes, ground permitting.

His handler said: "He won't be going to France on Sunday - that looks unlikely.

"He's come out of the race fine, he's entered in Ascot and we'll see what the ground turns up like there.

"He's got a few more options in France and Ireland after that and we'll basically have a look wherever it comes up soft.

"He was just caught a little bit on the back-foot when the winner kicked on last Saturday.

"We will see what the ground is like at Ascot and go from there. We'd want to see some cut, but we wouldn't want it like a bog.

"Cork and the Curragh this year have shown us he doesn't want it that heavy."