Kameko out to emulate Roaring Lion by capturing Royal Lodge for Qatar Racing

1.50 Newmarket
Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) | 2yo colts & geldings | 1m | ITV4/RTV

Kameko will be heading into this year's renewal of the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes off the back of two encouraging runs, the second of which came when just touched off by Positive in the Solario Stakes.

Owners Qatar Racing will be hoping the two-year-old son of Kitten's Joy can emulate the success of Roaring Lion, another colt by the same sire who won this race in 2017 before enjoying a stellar 2018 season.

Kameko will be stepping up in trip to a mile for the first time, and trainer Andrew Balding said: "It was a good run at Sandown and I've been really pleased with him since. He has done well physically, so I'm hopeful."

Highland Chief has not been seen in public since finishing third to Pinatubo and Lope Y Fernandez in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Highland Chief (pink and green silks) finished third behind Pinatubo on his last startCredit: Edward Whitaker

Before his good run in the Chesham, Highland Chief won over 5f at Newbury in April and he will bid to give trainer Paul Cole a third win in the Royal Lodge following the successes of Reach (1984) and Berkshire (2013).

Cole hopes Highland Chief will relish the step up in trip, and said: "He's had a bit of a rest since Royal Ascot to let him develop and he’s fit and well."

Pyledriver comes here off the back of a convincing Listed win over a mile at Haydock this month, and trainer William Muir is optimistic about his prospects.

"He's in great order," Muir said. "He's a big lad at 16.2 and is a type who wouldn't want too many runs and will be a stronger horse next year.

Pyledriver won a Listed race at Haydock this monthCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It’s a natural step forward having won a Listed last time and we're excited. It doesn't matter about ground, he's won on soft and firm."

Aidan O'Brien is represented by three runners and will be looking to continue his winning streak in the race, following on from Mohawk's victory last year.

Year Of The Tiger is possibly the most likely to do so and is the mount of Ryan Moore. Iberia and Royal Dornoch also represent Ballydoyle.

O'Brien said: "Year Of The Tiger was under the weather when he came back from Newmarket after the Superlative Stakes. He wasn't himself there and we've freshened him up since. We think he's back to himself now and he seems to be in good form. We're happy with him.

“Iberia is stepping up from seven to a mile and we think the step up in trip will suit. It's the same for Royal Dornoch and we think he'll enjoy it."

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