‘I have no doubt he’s capable of being competitive at Group One level’.

Trainer Maurizio Guarnieri confirmed Soumillon would take over from the regular rider Aurelien Lemaitre due to his greater experience of Ascot.

Eight-year-old has won on his last three starts, which has pushed his mark up to 106.

‘He’s a horse with the profile and lack of miles on the clock to be a Melbourne Cup contender.’

Rothschild and Romanet targets en route to Arc swansong challenge.

Sprinter returned home bruised after Haydock stumble but is ‘not too sore’.

‘We were very keen to keep him at a mile and a half and stay against his own age group.’

Ralph Beckett’s valiant veteran is joint-favourite for the Royal Ascot sprint.

Qatari trainer has made a promising start at his new Newmarket base.

William Buick: ‘I’ve been looking forward to riding him again since the Guineas.’