More Thunder to stick to Marois plan

William Haggas will stick to the plan and head for the Prix Jacques le Marois with More Thunder having felt a lack of pace conspired against him in his Summer Mile quest at Ascot.

After progressing through the ranks rapidly last term, the five-year-old has become a real player in top-level mile events this season, going close in both the Lockinge Stakes and Queen Anne at Royal Ascot.

A return to the Berkshire track was seen as the ideal place to set up a trip to France next month for more Group One action, but More Thunder’s chances were hindered by the muddling pace of the race, flying home strongly but only able to finish a close-up fourth.

Nevertheless Haggas is undeterred in his thinking and having “put a line” through his Ascot outing, will now send the son of Night Of Thunder to Deauville on August 16 confident he can make his mark.

“I’ve put a line through Ascot. He finished well but it was a mess where they just crawled round,” said Haggas.

“Many people predicted that I was hoping it wouldn’t happen, but unfortunately there was just no pace.

“The positive thing was his last two furlongs were strong, he looks well and I think he’s got more to offer.

“He’ll go for the Jacques le Marois now.”