Copper Horse Handicap: Prince out to defy a year's absence in new stayers' race

Copper Horse Handicap | 1m6f, 4yo+ | ITV/SKY

Fujaira Prince bids to make a successful return from a long absence in the second of the six additional races to the programme, as he was last sighted finishing third in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at this fixture a year ago.

Roger Varian's lightly raced grey looks tailor-made for this sort of trip and goes well fresh as he showed when winning on his seasonal reappearance in both 2018 and 2019.

The new race is named after the statue of George III mounted on horseback at the entrance to Windsor Great Park and is headed by Collide, who must shoulder top weight after picking up a 5lb penalty for an impressive win over this trip at Chelmsford just eight days ago.

The son of Frankel has previously been suited by some ease in the ground on turf and has a touch of class about him as he won a Listed race in France prior to lockdown.

What they say

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Collide
We're very happy with the rain that has fallen as he likes to get his toe in and he has a decent draw. He won well at Chelmsford but has been on the go a while as he ran in December and then in France in March where he won a Listed race.

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Dubai Horizon
He pleased in his last piece of work on the Limekilns and we'rre hoping he can step up on what he did in Dubai earlier in the year.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Saeed Suhail, owner of Deal A Dollar and Almania
Almania, as always, shaped as if this trip would suit him but has a terrible draw in 19. Both he and Deal A Dollar are fit from working on the watered gallop and have outside chances.

Ed Dunlop, trainer of Amazing Red
He ran well to be fifth on his comeback at Newmarket and likes the soft, although his draw in stall 17 is hardly ideal.

Roger Varian, trainer of Fujaira Prince
He's always shaped as if he'd get this sort of trip and this looks the right race for him. The likely ease in the ground is a plus although his wide draw in stall 16 is not so much.

John Best, trainer of Eddystone Rock
I'd have liked to have given him a run beforehand but circumstances haven't allowed that, but he's in great form and goes well fresh. Two miles would have been better, but there's only one Royal Ascot.

Oisin Murphy, rider of Selino
I've not ridden him before as Qatar only acquired him recently, but he looks a progressive horse and the type that James Fanshawe does well with.

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets