Analysis and trainer quotes as Motakhayyel bids to step up again in Sovereign

AJN Steelstock Sovereign Stakes (Group 3) | 1m | 3yo+ | ITV3/RTV

An eclectic mix of horses line up for one of the jewels in the crown in Salisbury’s season.

Let’s start with the solid ones because Motakhayyel and Duke Of Hazzard are both in form.

Motakhayyel sets the standard following his impressive victory under a big weight in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket last time. However, that was over seven furlongs in a competitive field and this will be a completely different test over a mile.

The Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old did win a five-runner event over this trip at Newmarket last season, though, and might have the gears to cope if this becomes tactical.

Duke Of Hazzard beats Turjomaan (far side) in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood last AugustCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Duke Of Hazzard relishes this type of test. His three wins last season all came in single-figure fields over a mile and he has a sharp turn of foot, which can prove decisive off a slow pace.

Moving on to the talented but recently disappointing types, Positive and Regal Reality.

Both are fitted in headgear, with Clive Cox opting for blinkers on Positive and Sir Michael Stoute applying the visor for Regal Reality. Cox has a 16 per cent strike-rate with runners wearing blinkers for the first time since 2016, while Stoute's is 23 per cent with those in a first-time visor.

If the headgear sparks a return to form, either could blow these rivals away as both are capable of competing at Group 1 level at their best. This represents a big drop in class.

Accidental Agent (Charles Bishop, orange cap) loses out narrowly to Kick On in last year's Sovereign StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Accidental Agent is a Group 1 winner having landed the 2018 Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, but he is the biggest character of them all and has a habit of throwing away his race at the start. He is often slowly away and it’s anyone’s guess whether he will be on top form, but he was a close second in this race last year and has the ability to play a part in the finish, if he wants to.

Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What they say

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Accidental Agent
He's in great form and obviously loves the track and a straight mile. It looks a tight contest but hopefully he'll run another good race.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Beat Le Bon and Motakhayyel
Motakhayyel has been running very well in handicaps and I hope he can make this step up into Group company. The track will suit him. You can put a line through Beat Le Bon's last run as he pulled too hard and was too fresh. He'll run a better race.

David Simcock, trainer of Bless Him
He loves fast ground and I was quite keen to back him up as he has always been a horse who carries plenty of condition. It's a big step up from last time but he's in great shape and will run well.

Oliver Cole, trainer of Duke Of Hazzard
He loves fast ground. He went into Goodwood in better form than going into Ascot and I think he's going into this in better form again. He's stepping back up to a mile, which is more his trip, and I expect him to put in a big performance.

Chris Richardson, managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, owners of Regal Reality
We were on a high after Royal Ascot, where he ran so well to be third on ground we know he doesn't like, but then we were disappointed after his last run. He has behaved impeccably since being gelded and he has got his ground as he loves it fast. We've put headgear on to try to make him focus and dropped him back to a mile – nine furlongs is probably ideal for him.

Clive Cox, trainer of Positive
With an outside draw at Chantilly he found himself a little bit further back than ideal. He's hit a bit of a flat spot in his last couple of races, which is why we've put on the blinkers. We've always held him in high regard and his two-year-old form was very good. He has the benefit of the weight for age and he's in good order. He won his maiden at Salisbury, so he has track form. This race came to mind when things didn't go quite to plan at Chantilly and I would be hopeful of a good performance.
Reporting by Bruce Jackson

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club