John Hammond will decide tomorrow if the brilliant French and Irish Derby winner Montjeu takes on the older horses in Saturday's Esat-Digifone Irish Champion Stakes.
There has been intense speculation in recent days as to where Montjeu will run next with Sunday's Prix Niel at Longchamp being a live alternative to taking on Daylami, Royal Anthem and Dream Well at Leopardstown.
Chantilly based Hammond said yesterday: "With Leopardstown declaring on Thursday, we will decide for definite on Wednesday. The horse is fine and all being well he will run at the weekend but I am not going to put weight on either race at this stage as it could be misinterpreted."
Hammond reports that some rain fell on Longchamp at the weekend but Montjeu's preference for a cut in the ground may yet mean he takes up the Irish option and open up what would be the race of the season.
Significant rain is forecast for Leopardstown and a track spokesman said yesterday: "We expect the ground will be a determining factor where Montjeu goes but it looks to be working in his favour here."
The racecourse manager Tom Burke added: "At the moment the ground here is good to firm but heavy rain is expected during the week and the forecast for the weekend is unsettled. Montjeu's connections are still considering running here and we are just praying he comes."
One horse who definitely will take on the older horses is Dermot Weld's Make No Mistake while the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly Sunspangled is described as a possible runner.
