THE Epsom Derby winner, Shaamit was yesterday reported firmly on course for his return to action in next Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Michael Hills will be reunited with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes third over a mile-and-a-quarter which trainer William Haggas believes will prove the colt's best trip.

"Everything is on course for Ireland," Haggas's wife Maureen said. "Shaamit had a quiet time after Ascot but he didn't have much time off and be is in good form now. He worked on Friday and went nicely.

"It's difficult to say but a mile and a quarter is possibly his best trip. At the start of the year William thought he might be better at that than further. He obviously got the trip well in the Derby and ran a good race in the King George but a mile and a quarter might suit him."

Depending on the ground on Saturday, Shaamit will face either Dermot Weld's Irish Derby winner Zagreb or the same stable's Irish Oaks winner Dance Design.

"It will be a very good race," Mrs Haggas said. "But you don't find an easy Group One. Shaamit is in very good form and he must have as good a chance as any.

Plans after Saturday's race remain fluid.

"We'll have to see what happens," Mrs Haggas said. "He is in the Arc and the Champion Stakes but William will have to discuss it with the owner Mr Dasmal."

Henry Candy's Eveningperformance will bid for the Group Three Flying Five at the same meeting. Chris Rutter will take the ride on the mare, who put up her best-ever performance on her latest outing when a short head second to Pivotal in the Group One Nunthorpe Stakes at York where she led until caught in the very last stride.

"She really ran out of her skin at York. I don't suppose she will run like that again but she is very well," remarked Candy.

Eveningperformance, whose best winning effort was in last year's Listed Scarborough Stakes at Doncaster, has never been successful in Group company, although she has run well on several occasions, including when finishing third in last season's Group One Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp, and therefore will not carry a Group race penalty in Ireland.

She will have a chance at Leopardstown because she gets the allowances and it looks as though it is going to be a dry week which will suit her," the trainer added.