William Haggas has opted not to run Dubai Honour in the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, instead targeting the Tancred Stakes (2400m) next weekend.

Dubai Honour, who was nominated for the 2000m Ranvet, is proven over longer distances, with strong performances last year in the Prix de Saint-Cloud and Hong Kong. Haggas’ travelling foreperson, Isabella Paul, confirmed the longer journey is a better fit for the horse.

“Hopefully he will go for the Tancred next weekend,” Paul said after Dubai Honour’s workout at Canterbury on Wednesday.

While Dubai Honour won’t run on Golden Slipper day, stablemate Al Mubhir will make his Sydney debut in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m). Paul reported that the gelding has handled the trip well and has the potential to rise to the occasion.

“He has always been a horse we’ve thought very highly of,” Paul said. “He can match Dubai Honour in training, so we’re hopeful for a good run on Saturday.”

Both Al Mubhir and Dubai Honour hold entries for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) next month, along with stablemate Desert Hero, who is showing improvement after losing weight during his flight from England.

Haggas, known for his success in Sydney with horses like Addeybb and Dubai Honour, will have Tom Marquand aboard Al Mubhir, one of six horses taking on Via Sistina, the hot favourite.