William Haggas has stated that Maltese Cross will be trained for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and removed from the Betfred St Leger.
The son of Sea The Stars put up one of the performances of the week at the Ebor Festival, beating Pierre Bonnard by two lengths under a penalty in York's Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes, after which Haggas and the horse's owner were keen to allow the dust to settle before committing to any future plans.
It has now been confirmed that the St Leger at Doncaster will be taken off the agenda, with a shot at the Paris showpiece on October 4 preferred for the exciting Maltese Cross.
"After discussions with (owner) George Waud and his team, we have decided to bypass the Betfred St Leger and aim Maltese Cross at the Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe," said Haggas.
"We are very conscious of the history of the St Leger and this being the 250th edition, the challenge was very tempting but it was felt that the extra time would be beneficial so, all being well, he will head to Paris on the first Sunday in October.
"Our other (Leger) entry Infraad will next run in the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on October 2. Both colts will therefore be scratched at tomorrow's forfeit stage."
Maltese Cross had been antepost favourite for the final Classic of the season but that mantle is now held by Betfred Derby winner Christmas Day, who is 9/4 with Sky Bet and Paddy Power on the back of his Voltigeur third.
The same firms clipped Maltese Cross to 6/1 from 8/1 for Arc glory on the back of the news.
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