Gladiatorus will go on a retrieval mission in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood later this month.

Godolphin's flag-bearer was hugely disappointing in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he faded badly after setting a furious early gallop under Ahmed Ajtebi.

"It was a disappointing run, obviously. We were expecting more than that, but he hadn't really been sparkling like he had done in Dubai," said Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager.

"We were satisfied with the way he had been working and his condition, but in Dubai he got into a tremendous rhythm. Once he was racing and winning he was on a steep upward curve.

"He's back in fast work, but he's got a bit to prove now, there is no question about that.

"He is a really, really good horse, there is no doubt about that, and he'll be aimed at the Sussex Stakes, but it is not all about one race and hopefully he'll go to the Breeders' Cup.

"I'm sure Ahmed will ride him, although that is a decision for Sheikh Mohammed," he told At The Races.

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