Australian horse Criterion is likely to have formidable opposition in the Juddmonte Stakes in the form of the unbeaten Golden Horn.

The John Gosden-trained colt was withdrawn from Saturday's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes when rain softened the Ascot surface.

Gosden has now flagged the Juddmonte at York on August 19 as the target for Golden Horn who tops the latest world rankings.

"We would look towards York as he is full of himself and ready to go," Gosden said.

"I think we will go there and take it from there."

Criterion remained in England after his fifth in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He will return to Australia with the first consignment of northern hemisphere horses heading to the Melbourne spring carnival.