Extremely Zain looks set to put his unbeaten record on the line as William Haggas’ progressive colt targets Moet & Chandon International Handicap glory at Ascot.
The three-year-old has not put a foot wrong on three career starts following successes at Newcastle, Newbury and York and leads the 24 confirmations for Saturday’s £150,000 contest.
He is 5-1 with William Hill to complete the four-timer, while Jack Channon’s course and distance winner Mezcala is next in the market (7-1) following his Buckingham Palace Stakes triumph at the Royal meeting.
Last year’s 25-1 winner Two Tribes aims to successfully defend his crown for Richard Spencer, with Bunbury Cup victor Aalto another who has form over seven furlongs and trainer Ian Williams is keen to see the six-year-old back in action.
“He could well go to Ascot for the International Handicap or there is also the Grand Handicap of Deauville the following weekend,” Williams said.
“We’ve given him a quiet week after Newmarket, but he seems in great nick and there’s every chance he turns up at Ascot. But we do have the French option afterwards if we feel Saturday has come to quick.
“He’s a talented horse and he’s been good fun for his connections. We’ll look forward to getting him out somewhere again soon.”
David O’Meara is triple-handed with Akkadian Thunder, Veblen Good and Leadman, while James Fanshawe has two entrants in Back In Black and Philanthropist.
Jamie Osborne bookends the weights with Room Service and Amazing Journey, Harry Charlton lines up Completely Random, Andrew Balding has Stellar Sunrise and Eve Johnson Houghton is represented by Great Acclaim.
Golden Mind (Richard and Peter Fahey), Arctic Dawn (Daniel and Claire Kubler), Vafortino (Charlie Fellowes), Superposition (Ed Dunlop), Brian (Stan Moore), Ata Rangi (Ed Walker), Saytarr (James Horton), Gangsta Man (Jim Goldie), Witch Hunter (Richard Hannon) and Sword (Stuart Williams) complete the field.