Analysis and trainer quotes as Ouzo heads Hannon assault in Silver Hunt Cup

Silver Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (Class 2) | 1m | 3yo+ | SKY

This will be a fiercely contested handicap over the straight mile which has attracted any number of progressive performers.

The two which stand out, though, are Ouzo, who looked an improved model at four when failing by a neck to hold off Bell Rock at Newmarket earlier this month, and the Mark Johnston-trained Maydanny, a thoroughly unexposed miler after just three starts.

Richard Hannon has recruited Ryan Moore to ride Ouzo, and there’s a definite chance the pair could be well drawn in stall 24.

Maydanny, the mount of Jim Crowley, is berthed on the other side of the track in stall five.

Maydanny: unexposed in Silver Royal Hunt Cup after just three startsCredit: Pool

Hugh Jarvis, owner of Plantadream, will enjoy watching his first ever runner at Royal Ascot – even though he cannot be at the track to cheer home the recent wide-margin Lingfield scorer.

It is his 72nd birthday, and there could be no better present than Plantadream lifting this Royal Hunt Cup consolation.

What they say

William Knight, trainer of Sir Busker
He's done well from three to four, and did well to win at Newcastle two weeks ago. The straight mile at Ascot will suit him, and the bit of rain on Monday evening was welcome. I think his style of running is ideal for this sort of race and he goes there with a really good chance.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Brian Epstein and Ouzo
There's definitely a decent race in Brian Epstein. I was pleased with his first run at Haydock, which will have put him spot-on for this. The ground shouldn’t be an issue as he’s very versatile. I think he’s got an excellent chance. Ouzo ran a stormer on his first run back. There should still be some improvement fitness-wise as he had a really good blow afterwards and he copes with any ground. I really couldn’t be happier with him and, under Ryan Moore, he’s close to the top of the market for a reason.

Brian Epstein: won at Musselburgh on his final start of last seasonCredit: Grossick Racing

John Best, trainer of Plantadream
He's a progressive horse who won very well last time. It’s a big step up but hopefully he’ll run his race. If the Racing Post are right we won’t be too far away judged on the rating they gave him for his last performance.

William Haggas, trainer of Nicklaus
He's a lovely horse who has been training really well. We've been targeting this race since we knew there was going to be a Silver Royal Hunt Cup. He wouldn't want soft ground.

Roger Varian, trainer of Salayel
She's been training nicely through the spring and this looks a nice starting point for her. She's versatile with regards to the ground.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Almufti
He took time to get over his defeat at Lingfield last time but is better than that and being held up in a big field such as this should play to his strengths. He wants good ground ideally so hopefully it dries out a bit.

Roger Fell, trainer of Sucellus and Presidential
I gave Ben Curtis the choice of my two runners and he went for Sucellus. We’ll see if he’s right. Sucellus massively needed the run at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago and has improved for it. Presidential came out of his race at Doncaster on Saturday bucking and kicking like there’s no tomorrow. He’s got plenty of ability, goes well fresh, and I was chuffed to bits with that win. He's got a chance.

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