Going threat to Gossamer Ascot run

October may be only a week away, but good to firm ground and a settled weather forecast for the Ascot area are raising serious doubts as to whether the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Gossamer will take on Aidan O'Brien's mighty Coolmore operation in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Luca Cumani's filly, who finished third behind Rock Of Gibraltar in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp last time, has disappointed twice on fast ground this year and will not be risked if the current dry spell continues.

Cumani said: "She worked well on Saturday and is in excellent shape, but we have to go on the form book, and if the ground stays good to firm, she won't run."

Early indications suggest Hawk Wing is more likely to represent O'Brien than Rock Of Gibraltar, though the official line from the master of Ballydoyle is that no final decision will be made until midweek.

He said: "I thought Hawk Wing ran a huge race against older horses at Leopardstown last time. Both he and Rock Of Gibraltar are possibles for Ascot."

In contrast to Cumani, the in-form John Gosden is hoping for continued dry weather for high-class sprinter Malhub.