US next for St Leger hero Arctic Cosmos

Ridden by rising star William Buick, the three-year-old was giving trainer John Gosden a third win in the world's oldest Classic, and is reported to have taken his Doncaster exertions in his stride.

Speaking at Longchamp yesterday, Gosden said: "Everything is fine, he's happy and well and he ate up last night. The Breeders' Cup Turf is a strong possibility.

"I had thought of coming to France for the Royal Oak, but we're really looking at America."

Snow Fairy, meanwhile, could head to France next month following her honourable Leger display. Ed Dunlop's dual Oaks winner failed to stay the stamina-sapping trip, but nonetheless shaped with much credit to take fourth.

She is now under consideration to drop back in trip on Arc weekend at Longchamp. Dunlop said: "She ran a great race and was probably about the last horse to come off the bridle - she just didn't stay. We may go to the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp on Arc weekend."

Meanwhile, Henry Cecil will not entertain the idea of Midday running in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but his outstanding filly still managed to strike one of two blows for Britain on trials day at Longchamp yesterday. After winning the Prix Vermeille, Midday will now aim to retain the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and her career is heading in an opposite trajectory to her old foe Sariska, ushered into retirement after again failing to leave the starting stalls.

It will be the Arc itself for Duncan, who continued a magical weekend for Gosden and Buick by following up Arctic Cosmos' St Leger triumph with a battling performance in the Prix Foy.

To add further gloss to a fascinating afternoon, the domestic champion Bekhabad became the clear favourite for France's showpiece race on 3 October by winning the Prix Niel.

First word should go to Midday, now a five-time winner at Group or Grade 1 level, and the only disappointment for her many fans is she will never be able to exact genuine revenge on Sariska for defeats in the English and Irish Oaks last year, as Michael Bell's filly had refused to break before Midday's victory in this summer's Yorkshire version.

Cecil said: "I really needed to get another run into her to get ready for the Breeders' Cup. I love the Arc, but the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is her race."