Declarationofpeace on a mission to derail the American expresses

Windsor Castle Stakes | Listed | 5f | 2yo |ITV/RUK

Declare a clear intent

Punters need to make sure they make a proper declaration on their betting slips as two runners, with vastly different odds, have that word in their run-on names. Declarationofpeace is favourite to give Aidan O’Brien back-to-back wins after Washington DC's victory last year, while Declarationoflove is a 50-1 outsider and a first runner at the meeting for freshman trainer Tom Clover.

What they say

George Scott, trainer of Another Batt and James Garfield
Another Batt has matured physically and mentally. He's blessed with plenty of early speed and could easily end up leading his side of the race. I'll be looking for a bold showing. James Garfield has a totally different profile – he was stood in the stalls for eight minutes before his debut and missed the kick, giving the winner a ten-length start, before running on to be an eye-catching third. He's come on massively and even though he'll be an outsider I believe he'll give a very good account.

Richard Fahey, trainer of Areen Faisal and Simmy’s Copshop
I really like Areen Faisal but he hasn't shown on the track what we see at home, so it's a huge punt. I do believe in him and there's not a lot between him and Simmy's Copshop. Simmy's Copshop lost a shoe in Ireland last time, which wouldn't have helped, and he was the only one who raced up with the pace and stayed there. He's a typical Ascot two-year-old.

Archie Watson, trainer of Corinthia Knight
He has course experience, which will help, and although he was beaten by a good horse that day I feel he might have been a bit flat after two quick runs. He’s had a break, is training very well and we've always liked him a lot.

Roger Varian, trainer of Dahik

He's improved with racing and posted an authoritative display at Bath, having not really handled the track at Chester. He'll need to better that bare form but will enjoy the ground and is going the right way.

Tom Clover, trainer of Declarationoflove
We were able to freshen him up after his win at Windsor and he's been working well. I'm happy with his draw in 21 – there are plenty of fancied horses around us and a few who like to go forward, so hopefully he'll get a good lead. He has plenty of speed and likes fast ground, so conditions are in his favour.

Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Declarationofpeace
He's always shown us a lot of pace at home. The fast ground will suit and, like many of our two-year-olds, we think he's improving.

Declarationofpeace: the colt is chasing his third Dundalk victory on FridayCredit: Patrick McCann

Tom Dascombe, trainer of Dragons Tail and Magnus
Dragons Tail deserves his chance after winning nicely at Chester and is certainly up to Listed class, but whether Royal Ascot Listed we'll find out. Magnus is, on the face of it, slightly up against it, but he's going the right way.

Bryan Smart, trainer of Excellently Poised
Beverley was disappointing but he got bumped and had the stuffing knocked out of him and he didn't like the ground. He's got plenty of pace.

Richard Hannon, trainer of June Dog
He won over six furlongs on easy ground but he's pretty quick and going back to five will suit. He'll have a chance.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Roussel and Sound And Silence
Sound And Silence was a little disappointing when fourth in the National Stakes at Sandown and post-race showed a dirty scope. I've been pleased with his preparation and if he brings his A-game he'll run a big race. Roussel has lots of natural pace, which he showed when winning on his only start at Leicester, as well as a bit of greenness. He's done well since and I couldn’t be happier with him.

James Nash, trainer of T For Tango
We've always thought a lot of him and he won his maiden nicely on debut. Things didn't work out for him at Listed level at Naas and we're hoping the good ground will bring out big improvement. We expect him to be competitive.

Wesley Ward, trainer of Elizabeth Darcy and Nootka Sound
Nootka Sound would be a little better than Elizabeth Darcy, although she’s not far off. We did a good bit of work the other day with them and the plan will be for Nootka Sound to go out there and the other filly to come from behind. If things work out we’re going to be smiling and if not we gave it a good try.

Ivan Furtado, trainer of Marchingontogether
She's improved from Leicester and the form has worked out well. She tries very hard and while six furlongs is probably her ideal trip they'll go flat-out over the five and I hope she's staying on at the end.

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