Four for Royal Ascot: Simon Mapletoft

Tim Easterby’s speedy three-year-old ART POWER tuned up with a blistering display over 6f on the Tapeta at Newcastle, proving he can be just as effective over that trip as he is over 5f. However, Silvestre De Sousa was adamant the King Power colt should revert to the minimum trip in the new handicap on Friday, given his abundant natural speed. He is clearly up to Group class but the opportunity to exploit a mark of 97 in a handicap could yet prove irresistible.

Second to Threat in a strong renewal of last season’s Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes, LORD OF THE LODGE missed his intended return in a Listed race at Haydock due to rain softened ground. His trainer Karl Burke has been itching to step him up to 7f so this looks an ideal assignment. Going to Ascot fresh doesn’t concern the Leyburn handler who has been happy with his homework and the stamina on the distaff side of his pedigree suggests this trip could prove his optimum.

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Archie Watson has earned quite a reputation for churning out precocious juvenile winners and his Lingfield scorer MIGHTY GURKHA stands out among his Ascot contingent. He dominated a 6f Polytrack maiden under Hollie Doyle, winning by over seven lengths, and will have learned a lot from winging round that sharp, undulating track. What he beat at the Surrey venue may have been nothing special, but the way he acquitted himself was impressive enough to suggest he can play a big part in this Group 2.

John Gosden’s unbeaten son of Kingman PALACE PIER holds a Derby entry but the James’s Palace Stakes over 1m at the Royal Meeting looks an outstanding option at this stage. He sets out to emulate former Gosden inmate Without Parole in taking the Group 1 feature. The way he quickened for Rab Havlin in a Class 2 handicap on the Tapeta at Newcastle last time out was hugely impressive and this colt can confirm himself a serious player at the very top level, with 10f very much in his range as the year progresses.