Can Derby hero Masar strike on his long-awaited return in the Hardwicke?

3.40 Royal Ascot
Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) | 1m4f | 4yo+ | ITV/SSR

All eyes will be on Masar in the middle-distance feature on the final day of Royal Ascot as last year's Derby winner makes a much-anticipated first public appearance for more than a year.

The son of New Approach gave Charlie Appleby a landmark first British Classic win last June, but has been absent since sustaining a leg injury in the build-up to the Coral-Eclipse a few weeks later.

After a long road back, which took in a winter spell of recuperation in Dubai, Masar has defied the doubters who said we had seen the last of him, and he is ready to resume his career.

Originally, connections had hoped to start the four-year-old in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday, but that was thought too hot a contest for the chestnut first time out.

Appleby said: "I'm delighted to be getting Masar back on the track and his preparation has gone very well. It is exciting to have the Derby winner back, but it goes without saying that he hasn't raced for more than a year and will come on for the run, mentally more than anything."

Ahead of his comeback, Masar enjoyed a racecourse gallop on the Newmarket July course a fortnight ago where he covered seven furlongs with stablemate Secret Advisor.

"I can’t fault the way his preparation has gone," Appleby added. "He has ticked every box going into this race and looks great. We had the option of the Prince Of Wales's Stakes this week, but I think we made the right call, with the calibre of that race and testing ground on Wednesday."

Can Stoute Dance to the dozen?

Sir Michael Stoute is chasing a remarkable 12th victory in the Hardwicke and is represented by the Khalid Abdullah-owned Mirage Dancer.

The owner-trainer partnership have twice combined to win this with Sea Moon (2012) and Snow Sky (2015).

A son of Frankel, Mirage Dancer is from the traditional Stoute mould of improving older horses, and the five-year-old enjoyed a cosy comeback win in Listed company at Goodwood last month.

He has improved from that in his work at home, is making his third appearance at the royal meeting having twice found 1m2f inadequate.

Stoute said: "Mirage Dancer is in good shape going into the race. He's come out of Goodwood in fine shape and this trip and track should suit him."

Defoe: 'The mile and a half around Ascot should suit him well'Credit: Andrew Redington (Getty Images)

Will Coronation Cup hero Defoe strike again?

The acclaimed Park Top in 1969 was the last winner of the Coronation Cup to follow up in this but Defoe could well break the sequence after his impressive return to winning ways at Epsom.

The task for Roger Varian's grey has been made easier as there are no Group 1 or Group 2 penalties applied for this race.

After returning with a solid effort in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May, Defoe got the breaks to go one better at the expense of Kew Gardens at Epsom where he had four of these rivals behind him.

Salouen (third), Comminique (fourth), Lah Ti Dar (sixth) and Morando (eighth) all reoppose.

Varian said: "This looks the right route to take with Defoe after his win in the Coronation Cup where it was nice to see him get his head in front. The mile and a half around Ascot should suit him well."

Last Lah-f for Gosden?

You have to go back to 1983 to find the last filly to win this which was the mighty Irish mare Stanerra, but Lah Ti Dar is out to put the females back on the map.

Owner Lord Lloyd Webber suffered the disappointment of seeing Too Darn Hot turned over on the opening day of Royal Ascot but will be hoping his older sister can restore some family pride.

The daughter of Dubawi made a winning return to action when handling a drop back to 1m2f in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York but failed to act on the track when only sixth behind Defoe in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom last time.

Gosden said: "Lah Ti Dar is quite a tall filly and didn't enjoy Epsom much but this track will be better for her and she'll much enjoy the long rise out of Swinley Bottom."

What they say

Charlie Johnston, assistant to Mark Johnston, trainer of Communique
He ran really well at Epsom but this looks a very good renewal. He'd have to be up to his best to run well, but a mile and a half is perfect for him and he's a versatile horse regarding ground. He should give a good account.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Morando
He won his Group 3 on the soft in good style at Chester but the drying ground isn't in his favour and we'll be happy if he can get a place.

Tomas Janda, racing manager to the owners of Nagano Gold
We have thought for some time that the French style of racing doesn't really suit him, even though he was quite impressive at Vichy and then this year at Longchamp. We think he has a lot of class and the Hardwicke looks a good target.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Southern France
It seems that the older Southern France is getting, the stronger and quicker he is becoming. He ran very well behind Stradivarius at York and he seems to be in very good form since. We think he is faster now than he used to be so that's why we have decided to come here.

Spotlight verdict

Last year's Derby winner Masar could take some beating if he returns from a 385-day absence in top form. However, his lack of recent match practice swings the vote in favour of Southern France, who looks well up to winning a good prize and should be suited by the stiff test back down in distance. If Masar ends up getting a little tired after his layoff, Southern France can take advantage as he'll be staying on right to the line.

For exclusive must-have Royal Ascot offers click here