Sir Michael Stoute’s promising colt Highest Ground is set to be aimed at the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on July 9.

The son of Frankel took his record to two wins from as many starts when staying on strongly to account for the well-regarded Waldkonig in an extended 10-furlong novice event at Haydock on Wednesday.

Some firms cut the Niarchos family-owned three-year-old in the market on next weekend’s Investec Derby in the aftermath, but he will instead head for the Knavesmire the following week – for a race that in a normal year would have acted as a trial for the premier Classic.

Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos family, said: “The Derby comes too soon in his career. He’s a nice horse in the making. He only ran two days ago and Sir Michael will take his time and we’ll probably have a look at the Dante.

“It’s a very different year for everything, including the race programme.

“He’s come out of his race well so far and we’ll just feel our way and go from there.”