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Marco Botti is looking towards a spell in Dubai with Naadirr following his pleasing performance in the Champions Sprint at Ascot.

Since undergoing a gelding operation in the summer, following lacklustre runs in both the Duke of York Stakes and Leisure Stakes, the son of Oasis Dream has turned in a series of solid efforts in defeat.

The four-year-old, who captured the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on his seasonal bow, continued his upturn in form on Saturday when finishing a creditable fifth behind Muhaarar in the six-furlong Group One event.

He said: "He travelled very well at Ascot but we knew beforehand it would be tough to win, but it was a big step in the right direction at the same time.

"It was a good end to the season as he showed he is up to that level. It is just a shame there is nothing else for him now.

"He will probably go to Dubai next year for the Super Saturday night or the Dubai World Cup meeting."

The Newmarket handler also maintains he expects impressive Ascot maiden winner Knife Edge to develop into a smart horse despite finishing fourth in a conditions contest at Newmarket on Wednesday.

He said: "It was just a case of the ground and the horse not handling the dip. Andrea (Atzeni) said he became unbalanced in the dip.

"He lost his back end and Andrea said that he nearly pulled him up. Once he hit the rising ground though, he stayed on again. I still think he is a nice horse - just things didn't go to plan."