The combination of a minor setback and the trainer feeling his charge had done enough for the year led to the gelding being roughed off for the rest of the campaign, but surgery in February has delayed his comeback.

Eustace reports War Artist to be working well at home again now, but will wait until nearer the time before deciding whether he will head back to the Royal meeting or wait for targets later in the summer.

"He's coming on fine and I'm pleased with how he is in himself, but whether we get to Royal Ascot is in the balance at the moment," said Eustace.

"He didn't actually have colic surgery but he was opened up in February. Fortunately they didn't have to remove anything, they just freed a trapped part in his short intestine and stitched him back up.

"Obviously it just takes a while to get over that but because they didn't remove anything, there is no reason why he shouldn't come back as good as ever, if not better.

"Thankfully, I'm delighted with the way he is in himself and he is so well he's frightening.

"If we have a completely clear run with him Royal Ascot is possible, but if we didn't go there we would probably go to the Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle, prior to the July Cup.

"There is only just over a week between those races but a week can be a long time. If I was really pleased with him I would like to go to Royal Ascot as the time between that and the July Cup is ideal."

"Last season he had a minor problem behind but that was fully investigated and we found nothing nasty. More importantly he just went over the top after the July Cup.

"We took the decision to turn him out and give him a proper holiday and I think both he and us will benefit from that break in the long run."