'Ascot will really suit' - Knight dreaming big with QEII on stable star's agenda

William Knight is eyeing a shot at the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes with his stable star Checkandchallenge, who he believes will be well suited to Ascot's straight mile.

Checkandchallenge entered the 2,000 Guineas picture when winning at Newcastle on his seasonal reappearance in April, and while that venture did not pay off Knight still believes his colt has Group 1 potential.

His recent victory in the Group 3 Prix Daphnis last month signalled a return to form, and the three-year-old is being aimed at the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket on September 23.

Knight said: "The plan is to go for the Joel Stakes and then aim for the QEII. We've always liked him and held him in high regard. His career has just been a bit stop-start.

"He didn't handle Goodwood [in the Thoroughbred Stakes] and got a bit squeezed up in the Guineas, which might have come a bit quick. It was nice to get back on track at Deauville.

"I think Ascot would really suit him – a nice flat, stiff mile would be right up his street. He's going to be a nice horse for next year as well."

Last year's Joel Stakes was won for the second time by Benbatl, who went on to finish ninth of ten to superstar Baaeed in the QEII.

Checkandchallenge's price ranges from 25-1 to 50-1 for the £1.1 million event on British Champions Day on October 15, with the market headed by Jacques le Marois winner Inspiral. Joint-trainer Thady Gosden on Tuesday confirmed the three-time Group 1 winner will be aimed at the race.

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (October 15, Ascot)

William Hill: 5-2 Inspiral, 7-2 Homeless Songs, 5 Aldaary, 7 Coroebus, Maljoom, 8 The Revenant, 10 Erevann, 12 Saffron Beach, Native Trail, Modern Games, 14 bar

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