Harry Eustace is dreaming of a repeat Royal Ascot double next week with Docklands and Time For Sandals.
Docklands was something of a surprise winner 12 months ago in the opening Queen Anne Stakes, but he has proved with two massive efforts in Hong Kong since there was no fluke about it.
Later in the week Time For Sandals struck gold in the Commonwealth Cup and while she is winless since, hopes are high ahead of the King Charles III Stakes, with Richard Kingscote returning from Hong Kong to resume the partnership.
Of Docklands, Eustace said: “He’s been quite busy through the winter, he’s six, so we’ve got a pretty firm grip on him. He got a break after Hong Kong.
“He’s already had two runs (this year), so we thought we’d take him for a racecourse gallop, which he went for last week and loved. He seems in excellent order and we’re just looking forward to getting him to the races now.”
Tim For Sandals was against her own age group when winning the Commonwealth Cup last year, but is now in against the best sprinters in the world.
“I do feel we’re going to be competitive,” said Eustace.
“It’s very tough – we’re now taking on the senior, older sprinters. Last year it was three-year-olds only but she’s had enough racing now to equip her for that, and from what we’re seeing at home, I think we’ll see an improved performance.”
Should both hold their form throughout the season then Eustace could be tempted by the Breeders’ Cup.
He said: “With the Win and You’re In Series, I do think you get exactly what they’re looking for, which is the quality.
“The Breeders’ Cup is definitely on our radar and we’d love to be considering it. These two, I think, would be ready to go and be competitive there if we got the right result.”