Michael Bell makes French connection with royal runner Fabricate

Michael Bell is leaning towards giving Fabricate his first start outside of Britain in next month's La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte.

The five-year-old provided the Newmarket handler with his first Pattern winner for The Queen at Windsor on Saturday when he claimed Group Three honours in the Winter Hill Stakes.

Plans are now in place to send the son of Makfi over to France in an attempt to register at second win at the same level in the mile-and-a-quarter prize on September 16.

Bell said: "He has got various options and that's the first of them.

"He is a massively improved horse since coming down in trip to a mile and a quarter, which is unusual as they normally improve when going up in trip.

"It was a lovely surprise when he won on Saturday and hopefully there is more to come."

Ascot Gold Cup hero Big Orange remains on course to be dropped back to a mile and three-quarters for the Comer Group Irish St Leger at the Curragh on September 10.

The five-year-old was denied a hat-trick of Goodwood Cup victories on his last start after finishing second behind Stradivarius.

Bell said: "Big Orange seems in good order and he will go to the Irish St Leger next, ground permitting."