LONDON – Mike de Kock has unveiled a plan for King’s Stand Stakes favourite Shea Shea to step up in trip for next month’s July Cup.

The multiple South African champion trainer has been training the six-year-old Al Quoz Sprint winner uphill in an attempt to familiarise him with Ascot’s stiff finish.

Looking further ahead, though, De Kock has no fears of Shea Shea stepping up to 1200m at Newmarket on 13 July.

Speaking in front of a gathering of international media at his Abington Place stables, he said: “I’m very happy with what’s happened so far. He’ll have been here five weeks by next Tuesday and has done well at hill work.

“He’s won over seven furlongs (1400m) in South Africa so the July Cup should be very suited to him. He’s been to work on the July Course and has worked up Long Hill a few times.

“I’ve only had places at Ascot so far, and it’s one meeting any trainer would certainly love to have a winner.”

De Kock said that Shea Shea would remain in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, but only as a precaution.

He said Soft Falling Rain is resting up, nursing a back problem, while David Livingston is on target for the Royal Hunt Cup.

De Kock has 15 horses ready to run at his Newmarket satellite.

Igugu had “womanly problems” in Dubai but is settled and on the way back.

Treasure Beach will tackle a 2400m race on the July Course on 29 June that the trainer hopes will act as a confidence-booster for the rest of the season. – Press Association.