Trainer Roger Charlton believes Bated Breath could put up an even better performance at Royal Ascot than he did when smashing the track record in last Saturday's G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock.
The five-year-old, narrowly denied in three Group Ones over six furlongs last season in the July Cup, Haydock Sprint Cup and Nearctic Stakes, is set for the G1 King's Stand Stakes over five furlongs on the opening day of the Royal meeting on June 19.
He may then meet champion mare Black Caviar in the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs on the final day on June 23.
Bated Breath came through the Haydock examination with flying colours, showing tremendous pace to beat last year's winner Sole Power.
"He's fine and we're all very pleased with him," Charlton reported.
"I was very impressed by the speed he showed. He has enough speed to lead the fastest horses around and two furlongs down the others were flat to the boards.
"In the past we have trained him to run over six furlongs and getting him to settle. Other than the Nunthorpe, when he was drawn on the wrong side, we haven't gone down the five-furlong avenue.
"That was a question going into the race, but he answered it well and as long as the owner is happy, the King's Stand must be considered as his next option.
"If we can get a fast run race at Ascot and manage to get a lead, I think there is every chance we might see an even better horse."
Bated Breath remains second in the betting behind Black Caviar for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and Charlton is not ruling out running in both races.
"It's an impossible question to answer at this stage," he said.
"We're just going to have to wait until nearer the time. Nothing is impossible."
