D'OR OPEN TO HAYDOCK CHALLENGE

Mikel Delzangles is considering bringing veteran speedster Marchand D'Or over to England for the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock next month.

The eight-year-old showed he was still a strong force in that division when a fast-finishing third to Moonlight Cloud in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday.

A three-time winner of that race, as well as landing the Prix de l'Abbaye and the July Cup when trained by Freddie Head, the grey still has plenty of dash.

If Marchand D'Or does not go to Merseyside, he is likely to run in the Prix de Meautry back at Deauville on August 28.

"He's come out of the race very well. I was very pleased with his run," said the French trainer.

"It looks like in his recent races when they quicken he is lost for half a furlong, but he finished well - it's a pity he can't cope with that crucial part of the race.

"He's in the Haydock Sprint, or we might stay in a Deauville for a Group Three, the Prix de Meautry two weeks on Sunday."

Delzangles also outlined plans for Shankardeh, who was second to Meeznah in the Group Three Lillie Langtry Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.

"She ran a very good race and she's in very good form," Delzangles added.

"I'm not sure if I'm going back to England with her or staying in France for a stayers' race in early September - the Prix Lutece at Longchamp."

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