Ayrad and Spark Plug to provide the Gala electricity again

3.25 Sandown
Ambant Gala Stakes | Listed | 1m2f | 3yo+| RUK

Last year’s one-two Ayrad and Spark Plug are set to do battle again, with Ayrad seeking a first victory since scoring in this race 12 months ago.

The Roger Charlton-trained six-year-old has been a consistent performer in Pattern class since that win, finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at Goodwood, and was fifth last time out on his seasonal reappearance in the Wolferton at Royal Ascot.

"I thought he ran a good comeback race at Ascot," Charlton said. "It was probably nearly a career-best. This comes quite quickly after Ascot but he seems in good form and it looks a suitable race."

Spark Plug was only three parts of a length behind Ayrad last year and last season's Cambridgeshire winner will have the assistance of Ryan Moore, fresh from reaching his landmark of 2,000 winners.

Trainer Brian Meehan said: "He ran very well in this race last year and we feel as though he is in just as good form and ready to run his usual competitive race."

Kidmenever was just ahead of Ayrad in the Wolferton when third and is bidding for a first victory since joining Charlie Appleby. The four-year-old finished fourth and second in Meydan handicaps in February after joining Appleby from French trainer Fabrice Vermeulen.

Appleby said: "He ran a cracker at Royal Ascot and has come out of the race well. He has a bit to find at the weights with Ayrad, but he has come forward since that run and should be very competitive. A bit of rain would suit."

Isomer (left, pictured finishing second to Cunco at Newbury, has had a chip removed from a kneeCredit: Julian Herbert

The other Royal Ascot formline on show is the Mark Johnston-trained Frankuus’s King Edward VII Stakes eighth behind stablemate Permian.

At last year's royal meeting, Isomer found only Churchill too good in the Chesham, and the three-year-old has his first start for nearly a year.

Trainer Andrew Balding said: "He had to have a chip removed from his knee at the end of last year. I'm happy with his fitness, but do feel he'll improve for the run. He's a handy horse and I'm looking forward to having him back on the track."

Marco Botti is hoping the rain stays away for his runner Fanciful Angel. He said: "He won nicely at Chelmsford on his first try at a mile and a quarter.

"This is a stiffer track but he's entitled to go for a Listed race and he loves fast ground."

Ambant Gala Stakes, card and form