David Barron is considering the Scurry Stakes at Sandown on June 16 as a possible next port of call for his exciting sprinter Pearl Secret.
The normally reserved Yorkshire trainer waxed lyrical about the colt following his winning debut at York last year and he looked even better when making a winning return in a Doncaster handicap in April.
The three-year-old secured his third victory from as many starts with another brilliant display of speed on the Knavesmire on Dante day, but Barron is keen to take things slowly with his charge at this stage.
"He's fine and he could go to Sandown in the middle of June for a Listed race," said Barron.
"It's not definite yet, but that is a race I have at the back of my mind and that's the way we're aiming at present.
"He won't be going to Royal Ascot. He's doing his job nicely at the moment and I'd like him to get a bit more knowledge before we throw him in against the big boys."
One Barron-trained sprinter who is already firmly established is Hitchens, who won a Group Three prize at the Dubai Carnival at Meydan earlier this year.
He was fourth on his recent return to the European scene in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh, and Barron is anticipating progression ahead of his next likely target, the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
"He's come out of the race very well and I was quite satisfied with his run," said Barron.
"It was his first run for a while and I personally think it's a race to treat with a bit of caution as the pace just wasn't there.
"He had daylight the whole way and that doesn't suit him, but he ran well enough and hopefully he'll improve a bit for it.
"At the moment we're looking towards Ascot. Something has to finish second to Black Caviar!"
