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Having debated for so long whether Tullius truly stayed 10 furlongs, connections are now adamant he is most effective over that trip.

The Andrew Balding-trained seven-year-old won the Group Two York Stakes over an extended mile and a quarter but dropped back down to a mile for the Sovereign Stakes last time out.

He was no match for Kodi Bear at Salisbury, but Jimmy Fortune reported afterwards Tullius found everything happening too quickly and that he should be stepped back up in trip.

The Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October is now his ultimate aim.

"Tullius will run in the Joel Stakes on Septmber 25 next and hopefully that will tee him up for the Champion Stakes," said Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds.

"We know he'll be up against it in that, but there's £160,000 just for finishing third.

"If it is soft or heavy at Ascot then a stiff 10 furlongs may stretch him, but the QEII looks like being red hot this year with Solow - not that the Champion Stakes will be easy.

"With his Group Two penalty, now may be the time to start travelling with him, but Ascot is his big aim.

"I think 10 furlongs is his trip now."