Salouen likely to head to the Hardwicke following fine Epsom effort

Classy middle-distance performer Salouen – left in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot next week – is more likely to go for the Hardwicke Stakes.

Trained by Sylvester Kirk, Salouen again ran well when third in Epsom's Coronation Cup – a race he pushed 2018 world champion Cracksman close in last summer.

Connections confirmed him on Thursday morning for Wednesday's Prince of Wales's, but with it likely to be one of the races of the year, Kirk is leaning towards the Hardwicke on the Saturday.

"I've left him in the Prince of Wales's just to have a look, but it looks hot," the Lambourn trainer said. "We're doing the same as we did last year - aiming high all the time – but we could go to the Hardwicke.

"The fact the rain is around meant the Prince of Wales's was worth a look and the owner wanted to have a look as well.

"Hopefully, we'll angle for the Hardwicke and he's taken Epsom well – he's jumping out of his skin. It was a good effort there."

Salouen, who is 33-1 for the Prince of Wales's and 12-1 for the Hardwicke, tends to race from the front or close to the pace, but Kirk hinted tactics could change.

He added: "He was handy enough and Cypress Creek took him on in the Coronation Cup and eased him on a bit. You can do that in an easier race, but not in those races – you can't go making it in those races.

"Oisin Murphy will ride if we go for Hardwicke, but I'm not sure about the Prince of Wales's as he might ride something else."

A son of Canford Cliffs, who won the Coventry, St James's Palace Stakes and Queen Anne at Royal Ascot, Salouen landed a Listed event over the Hardwicke course and distance on his penultimate start.

Beat The Bank out for Queen Anne redemption

Andrew Balding is hoping Beat The Bank can put his disappointing Lockinge run behind him in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

King Power Racing's gelding went off the 5-1 joint-favourite for Newbury's flagship Flat race, but finished 11th of the 14 runners.

However, he showed his class before then when winning Sandown's bet365 Mile.

The son of Paco Boy can be backed at 25-1 for the royal meeting opener, which he was a creditable sixth in last year.

"Nothing came to light after the Lockinge, apart from possibly he was drawn on the wing and was always lugging left," said Balding.

"He's in great form and as long as the ground doesn't get too soft, his Sandown run would put him right in the mix for a place.

"We are tempted and will try him over a mile and a quarter, but the Prince of Wales's looks very strong."

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