Busy Elarqam targeting another Listed reward in the Gala Stakes

3.25 SandownDavies Insurance Services Gala Stakes (Listed) | 3yo+ | 1m2f | RTV

Following an excellent third in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Mark Johnston-trained Elarqam bids for a second Listed prize of the season when he faces six rivals in the Gala Stakes, a race won by Lockinge winner Mustashry last season.

After a generally disappointing three-year-old season, in which he failed to build upon a promising 2,000 Guineas fourth, the imposing son of Frankel has returned to form in 2019, winning the Festival Stakes at Goodwood prior to his appearance at the royal meeting.

He found Group 1 operators Addeybb and Magic Wand too good last time, but connections are confident of a return to the winner's enclosure in what appears a weaker contest.

Johnston said: "We were happy with him at Ascot and he still appears to be in good form. We're trying to keep him on the boil this time as he has been pretty lightly raced in the past. We'll continue to make hay as long as the sun shines. I don't think he needs any sort of special conditions to be effective."

Unexposed types could hold the answer

Three-year-old Fifth Position will be in receipt of between 10lb and 13lb from his more senior rivals, and trainer Roger Varian believes there is more to come from the lightly raced son of Dark Angel.

"He's only run three times and I think ten furlongs at a track like Sandown should suit him perfectly. He does have a bit to find on ratings but there should be more to come.

"As he matures he should keep developing on the track. Race conditions really should suit so we should learn more."

Roger Varian: trainer of Fifth PositionCredit: Edward Whitaker

Another unexposed player is the John Gosden-trained Royal Line, whose style of victory in the November Handicap over 1m4f at Doncaster last season was one of a potential Group-level horse lingering in handicap company.

The five-year-old returns to action following a 237-day layoff and Gosden said: "We are happy with the horse. We are aware that a mile and a half is probably his best trip, but this looks a nice starting point for him given the ground and well look to step him up in trip later on."

Two-pronged attack for Godolphin

A 15lb jump in the weights since April 2018 has left Charlie
Appleby with no choice but to run prolific handicapper Oasis Charm in level-weights company.

Ninth in the Wolferton when last seen, the gelded son of Oasis Dream registered a hat-trick of handicap victories over nine months straddling both Britain and Dubai prior to his return at Ascot, and will be partnered by Brett Doyle.

Stablemate First Nation, who also finished well down the field in the Wolferton, has a similar profile but will need to rediscover form akin to that which saw him take a Meydan handicap off a mark of 101 in January.

2.20 SandownChasemore Farm Dragon Stakes (Listed) | 2yo | 5f | RTV

Cieren Fallon has already proven that the fruit does not fall from the tree with his exploits in the saddle, and he has the chance to secure his biggest winner to date in the Listed Chasemore Farm Dragon Stakes at Sandown.

Fallon, who recently rode his 20th winner and reduced his claim to 5lb, which will take effect in the near future, is one of the hottest young talents in the weighing room and looks for victory aboard Bill Neigh, who is backing up quickly after winning at Musselburgh on Wednesday.

Fallon was aboard for the colt's debut, which also came at Musselburgh, and when the pair finished midfield in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot.

Bill Neigh: seen here winning at MusselburghCredit: Grossick Racing

Bill Neigh's trainer John Ryan is a fan of Fallon and said: "Cieren was going to ride him again at Musselburgh but was claimed by his boss to ride elsewhere.

"He has done a lot of work with the horse so even though he can't claim in the race, he knows him very well which can make a difference. The owner [Gerry McGladery] is loyal and wanted to give Cieren a chance to succeed."

On Bill Neigh, Ryan added "The horse travelled back superb from Musselburgh, he didn't lose any weight and didn't have too hard a race, even though he only won by a nose. He's a tough little horse."

Royal Ascot runners complete lineup

Of the ten-strong field, six competed at Royal Ascot, with varying degrees of success. Liberty Beach finished a place ahead of Al Raya when fourth in the Queen Mary. Expressionist was down the field in the Norfolk, while Rayong was tenth – and two places in front of Bill Neigh – in the Windsor Castle.

The other runner to compete at the meeting was Makyon, who showed great speed in the Coventry Stakes before weakening late on.

Rayong (blue): down the field a Royal AscotCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

With that performance coming over six furlongs, the drop back to a stiff five looks a good move, and Mark Johnston, said: "There was a slight debate about whether he really needed to come back to five.

"He showed a fantastic turn of foot in the Coventry, so I felt that coming back in trip is the right way to go. He's been a great little horse so far who deserves to win something at this level."

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