Arizona win a huge boost to chances of Twomey's Sunday Sovereign

2.30 Royal Ascot
Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) | 2yo | 5f | ITV/Sky

Paddy Twomey is already having the best year of his career and it is only mid-June. The Tipperary trainer has bettered his previous total prize-money record and has had six winners this year after just 22 runners.

Twomey hopes to increase that tally to seven in the Norfolk Stakes with Sunday Sovereign, who became the first horse in Ireland to run in the colours of King Power Racing and is likely to be sent off market leader for this coveted Group 2.

After a promising debut, Sunday Sovereign was impressive on his second start, winning a 17-runner Curragh maiden by three lengths without coming out of third gear. That form was given a massive boost on Tuesday when the well-beaten runner-up Arizona landed the Coventry Stakes.

Sunday Sovereign was then sent off a short-priced 2-5 favourite at Tipperary and came through with flying colours, romping home by seven lengths in the style of a juvenile firmly on the up.

Twomey, who is having just his second runner at Royal Ascot, said of Billy Lee's mount: "He's been in great form since Tipperary and I'm looking forward to the race.

"The ground doesn't actually matter to him, but the fact that he has won on soft ground at Tipperary is a help."

Winless A'Ali bidding to end long drought

You have to go back to Line Engaged in 1990 to find the last winner of the Norfolk who was coming into the race a maiden, but Simon Crisford is hoping to end the 29-year drought with A'Ali, who is the strongest of the home contingent according to the market.

Although he was beaten a neck in a small-field novice event at Ripon 15 days ago, A'Ali posted a quick time in defeat.

Crisford seeks his second Royal Ascot winner after winning the Britannia Stakes here last year with Ostilio.

What the rest say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Air Force Jet
He did well to get back up to win at Navan. I'm hoping the ground will dry out for him as the better the ground, the better chance he has.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Expressionist
He was impressive on his first start and boasts important course-and-distance form. He's strengthened since then and I'm looking forward to seeing him step up in class.

Clive Cox, trainer of Firepower
He won very pleasingly over five furlongs on his debut at Salisbury before we stepped him up to six furlongs for a conditions race at Newbury. He travelled really well through that race, so I’m pleased we’ve opted to come back in trip with him. He’s a very nice horse.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of King Neptune and Mount Fuji
King Neptune was beaten at the Curragh but ran well and we've been very happy with him since. Mount Fuji won his maiden at Cork and did so despite being very green so we think he'll come forward from that. He's a nice colt.

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Misty Grey
He took off down the hill at Epsom under Franny [Norton] and it's obvious he went too hard too soon. I'm not convinced about dropping him back to five furlongs as he stayed well at Ripon, but it's more his running style that is forcing us to do that. Hopefully he uses his energy more efficiently.

Matthieu Palussiere, trainer of Real Appeal
He was a little bit green in both his first two starts although essentially it all went well. At Angers I think he was beaten by the way the race unfolded but he made no mistake in his Listed race. I think the stiff track will suit him. He's very straightforward, very serious and professional.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Ventura Rebel
It's Royal Ascot but we're very happy with the horse. This has always been the plan since he won here last time and he has course form.

Coral are paying an additional place on the 2.30 Royal Ascot, that's 4 places rather than 3. Standard place terms apply if 14 or fewer horses run. Click to view the card here