Ten Sovereigns and Lady Kaya on course for Commonwealth clash with Calyx

The Commonwealth Cup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races of Royal Ascot next month, and major challenges to the exciting Calyx emerged on Monday when connections of Ten Sovereigns and Lady Kaya indicated the Group 1 was the firm plan for their one-time milers.

Sent off the 9-4 favourite for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Ten Sovereigns had to settle for fifth behind stablemate Magna Grecia as he gave the impression sprinting might be more his game.

Already a Group 1 winner over six furlongs courtesy of his success in last year's Middle Park, the son of No Nay Never, who was ridden at Newmarket on Saturday by Ryan Moore, is generally 4-1 for the Commonwealth Cup, which last week's impressive Ascot winner Calyx heads the betting for at 5-4.

"There was always the possibility that Ten Sovereigns wouldn't quite get home," O'Brien said on Monday.

"He was on the side where there was no pace and Ryan had to be more forward than he would have liked. He knew the other side was ahead of him. He still ran a very good race and I would imagine we will come back to six now for the Commonwealth Cup. That's the plan."

Introduced in 2015 and won by O'Brien's Caravaggio two years ago, the Commonwealth Cup is right at the top of the agenda for Lady Kaya's camp, whose pride and joy went down fighting to Ballydoyle's Hermosa in the 1,000 Guineas on Sunday.

As with Ten Sovereigns, her team is keen on stepping back in trip.

Lady Kaya: fine effort behind HermosaCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Sheila Lavery, who trains the Dandy Man filly for her niece Joanne, said: "She ran an absolute cracker and I couldn't be prouder of her. I never let myself dream at any stage during the race as we all knew that she had to get home over a mile.

"She travelled beautifully through the race and the plan now is to drop her back to six furlongs and have a go at the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

"She won't run again before then I don't think and we will go straight there. She has loads of speed, so a stiff six furlongs at Ascot should really suit her."

Lady Kaya, a dual winner over seven furlongs, is available at 16-1 for the Commonwealth Cup, which takes place on Friday, June 21.

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