Former Australian Starspangledbanner remains on target for a trip to the United States for the Breeders' Cup despite his fourth to Balmont Mast in the Listed Mercury Stakes at Dundalk.

The four-time Group One winner is being primed for the Breeders` Cup Turf Sprint but did not find a great deal under Joseph O`Brien`s urgings.

Despite his outside draw, Starspangledbanner was quickly into contention but was easily overtaken by the Eddie Lynam-trained winner close to home.

The Johnny Murtagh-ridden Balmont Mast (7-2) had a length in hand over Noctural Affair, with Timeless Call third.

However, trainer Aidan O`Brien said Starspangledbanner remained on course for next weekend's Breeders' Cup meeting at Santa Anita," O'Brien said.

"He's been running on bad ground and he needed that run.

"It should leave him spot-on for the Breeders` Cup Sprint."

Starspangledbanner was sold to Coolmore with two Australian Group One wins to his credit and was brought back into training earlier this year after a failed career at stud.