Leger likely to be the plan for upwardly mobile Limestone

All roads appear to lead to the St Leger for Limestone after he extended his winning run to four at Royal Ascot.

Joseph O’Brien’s improving son of New Bay is unbeaten at three and having impressed when landing the Queen’s Vase, it is somewhat obvious the Doncaster Classic over the same distance is in the mind of connections.

Alex Elliott, racing adviser for owners Valmont who own the colt alongside Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud, said: “I think the St Leger has to be an aim really. He came out of the race really well and Joseph is still mapping out what route to take there will be best.

“There’s obviously Goodwood (Gordon Stakes) to consider and you have the Great Voltigeur at York as well.

“All options are open with him and he’s a very straightforward horse who likes winning – he’s won his last four. He’s got all the attributes of a horse that can take us to Doncaster in September.”

Another in the Valmont colours is the James Tate-trained Havana Sprite, who dead-heated for first place in the Empress Stakes at Newmarket. With Listed honours secured, her team could now go in search of valuable prizes both home and abroad in the coming months.

Elliott added: “She was surrounded by horses who didn’t have high ratings for a Listed race and she’s only gone up 3lb to 88, which still leaves nursery options open and there’s some valuable nurseries around in the coming months.

“There is a £100,000 nursery at York Ebor week (Sky Bet Nursery Handicap, August 19) or we could chuck her into Group company and there’s the Prix de Cabourg on August 2 at Deauville.

“She’s a fun filly who has been very consistent and James Tate has done a great job with her.”