However, Distinction is reported to be back on form and was put through his paces on the July Course under the watchful eye of trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

“I’ve been wanting to take him down to the July Course for a long time now, but the ground has been too soft and I’ve had to delay doing it,” Stoute said.

“I now hope to reintroduce him to the racecourse next Thursday, but he has been off for 13 months and he is a big horse, so we just need to get him to the racecourse now.”

Harry Herbert, manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: “Although he won on soft at Newbury last year, we know he is better on a quicker surface.

“He is in good form and has totally recovered from his tendon problem. He’s in good shape and it’s good to see such an old favourite back.

“I would imagine the Lonsdale at York would be an option if he runs an encouraging race next week, but we don’t want to look too far ahead with him.

“We need to see how he runs and whether he is still as good and enjoying it.”