Japan a doubt for Champion Stakes but Magical remains in mix for Aidan O'Brien

Dual Group 1 winner Japan, fourth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on his last start, is likely to miss the Qipco Champion Stakes on Saturday and could be finished for the season.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said on Tuesday: "We'll be making a decision regarding plans for Japan in the next couple of days, but it's quite possible he won't run again this year.

"We still have to finalise plans for Ascot and nothing is set in stone, but it looks as if Magical and I Can Fly might run in the Champion Stakes. Magna Grecia is going for the QEII, while Circus Maximus will probably be kept for the Breeders' Cup Mile."

Fleeting, runner-up in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp, will revert to a mile and a half in the Fillies & Mares, in which she might be joined by stablemates Delphinia and Pink Dogwood.

Kew Gardens: the St Leger winner is one of three horses being considered for the Long Distance CupCredit: Grossick Racing

O'Brien added: "Kew Gardens, Capri and South Pacific are all under consideration for the Long Distance Cup, while So Perfect, who was second in the Prix de l'Abbaye, will run in the Sprint."

Dual 1,000 Guineas winner Hermosa is entered for the Fillies & Mares, the QEII and the Champion Stakes but O'Brien said she may not run again this season.

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