Barney Roy all set for Royal Ascot after striking Longchamp success

Barney Roy continued his comeback when getting up to score cosily in the Listed Prix Montretout at Longchamp and secure his spot in the Godolphin team for Royal Ascot.

The 2017 St James's Palace Stakes winner, who returned to training this season after a failed career at stud, was in a far from ideal position half way up the straight under James Doyle. However, once a glimmer of a gap emerged, the 4-5 favourite's class made the difference as he ran down Bayoun.

Winning trainer Charlie Appleby said: "It was a race that became a little bit tactical in the end but, as he did when he was a three-year-old, when he hit the front he got a bit wayward, so James did the right thing taking him back.

"He is lucky because he has class and can get away with it, but he can just hit that flat spot. When he picks up though and hits top gear he is away.

Barney Roy (James Doyle) enjoys his finest hour in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I was pleased because the main objective of coming here was to get his head in front and gain some confidence before going on to the Queen Anne."

Originally trained by Richard Hannon, Godolphin bought Barney Roy before the start of his three-year-old season, after which he was placed in both the 2,000 Guineas and the Eclipse as well as gaining his revenge on Newmarket conqueror Churchill at Ascot.

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