Take Cover is set to skip an engagement at Ascot on Saturday and wait for the Al Basti Equiworld Mercury Stakes at Dundalk on October 20.

Trainer David Griffiths has all but ruled out a run in the Hope And Homes For Children Rous Stakes at the Berkshire course this weekend because of the likelihood of soft ground.

The Bawtry handler is thinking more of taking his admirable sprinter across the Irish Sea for the Listed contest he won in 2015.

The 10-year-old has belied his age with a series of classy performances this season that has seen him win the Beverley Bullet and Newbury's Dubai International Airport World Trophy on his last two starts.

"He probably won't go to Ascot. It looks like the ground has gone against us now," said Griffiths.

"He may well go to Dundalk for the Mercury Stakes that he won two years ago.

"He's in good form. He's come out of Newbury really well."