Charlie Appleby: Masar is showing us the right signs and looks the one to beat

Princess Of Wales's Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2) | 1m4f, 3yo+ | ITV3/RTV

Masar brings a touch of Group 1 class to the feature on ladies' day in which he bids to register his first victory since his Derby triumph for Godolphin at Epsom last June.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old makes his second start of the year and his second appearance within a few weeks at the July course, where he enjoyed a workout before his belated return to action at Royal Ascot last month.

He posted a solid comeback after more than a year off the course when fifth over this trip in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, keeping on following a bad stumble emerging from the stalls.

Masar, who emulated his sire New Approach when winning the Derby, has thrived at Moulton Paddocks since that comeback run.

Appleby, who won this with Hawkbill in 2017, said: “We were pleased to get Masar back on track at Royal Ascot, although the race didn’t pan out as we would have liked. It was just one of those things – he slipped as he was coming out of the stalls and got his legs in a bit of a muddle.

“Most importantly, he has come out of the race well and is showing us the right signs at home."

He added: "As fit as we thought we had him beforehand, it has certainly sharpened him up physically and mentally. He has progressed well and looks the one to beat.”

Last year's second Mirage returns

Mirage Dancer bids to go one better than a year ago when he was sent off favourite but finished second to subsequent Caulfield Cup hero Best Solution.

Sir Michael Stoute is leading trainer in this race and will hit double figures if Mirage Dancer can confirm Royal Ascot placings with Masar.

The five-year-old is in the midst of his best season having won a Listed contest on his return at Goodwood before finishing an honourable third in the Hardwicke Stakes.

Mirage Dancer looked the likeliest winner turning for home that day when travelling strongly but was unable to hold the flourish of unpenalised Group 1 winner Defoe and Nagano Gold.

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said: "Mirage Dancer was beaten by a Caulfield Cup winner in the race last year and won't find this any easier as he now has to take on a Derby winner!

"He ran a very decent race at Royal Ascot when he was third and this good to firm ground and trip should suit him.

"Ryan Moore hasn't ridden him for a while and is back on board."

Balding hoping Dashing defies the stats

It is 13 years since a three-year-old won this but Andrew Balding rolls the dice with Dashing Willoughby who is back in trip after his gutsy win in the Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot.

Balding's hope carries a 3lb penalty for his recent win over Barbados, who could give a pointer to the form when he contests the opening Bahrain Trophy.

Dashing Willoughby: won the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot last monthCredit: Bryn Lennon

Dashing Willoughby had previously finished third to the classy Sir Dragonet in the Chester Vase and reverts to a mile and a half.

Balding said: "There aren't too many races for Dashing Willoughby with his penalty and he had an entry so we're giving it a go.

"He's down in trip and against his seniors for the first time but hopefully he should go well."

Johnston saddles progressive duo

Mark Johnston saddled the last winning favourite in this race with 3-1 chance Universal in 2013 and is back for another crack with progressive four-year-old pair Baghdad and Communique.

Baghdad treads an unfamiliar path from the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot to a Group 2 but looked worth a crack when holding off Ben Vrackie.

Communique must defy a 3lb penalty for his win in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket in May if he is to prevail, a feat that has not been achieved since Universal.

The six-runner field also includes the David Simcock-trained Desert Encounter, a hold-up performer and the mount of Harry Bentley.

Simcock said: "Desert Encounter is running into a bit of form so hopefully could nick a place."

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