Mark Johnston may have had a rare blank Royal Ascot this year but has his sights set on the track's biggest prize when he saddles Universal in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Beaten off a mark of 98 in a Kempton handicap at the end of March, Universal has exceeded all expectations with four wins from his last five starts including two in Pattern company to reach a rating of 115 going into the midsummer showpiece.
His latest success in the Group Two Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting convinced the trainer to take the plunge against tip-top middle-distance performers of all ages.
"Its a logical step for him and he ran the race of his life last time," said Johnston.
"Conditions in every way suit him and I don't see why he shouldn't run a very big race. I'm realistic but he's a horse in form and on the upgrade. I'll be telling Joe (Fanning) to ride his own race. He doesn't have to lead but we can make our own pace.
"You've got to respect everything in the race but we'll go and do our own thing."
Sir Michael Stoute has an enviable record in the race and persuaded the owners of three-year-old Hillstar, winner of the King Edward VII Stakes, to pay £75,000 to supplement the colt.
Stoute said: 'Hillstar is in good shape for this tough contest. He is a course and distance winner and his preparation has gone well.'
Cirrus Des Aigles was making a belated seasonal debut because of injury when fifth at Saint-Cloud and will be ridden by Christophe Soumillon for the first time in nearly 16 months.
'It was always organised that if Olivier (Peslier) couldn't ride, Christophe will and he knows the horse very well and he knows Ascot, so it is not a problem,' said trainer Corine Barande-Barbe.
'He won in Dubai where the ground was very fast. One thing is sure when it is raining a lot and the ground becomes heavy or very deep he is not disturbed at all."
Peslier will be in opposition on the Alban de Mieulle-trained Very Nice Name, who was last seen in action finishing third behind St Nicholas Abbey in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March.
'He's very well. He had a long break after a hard winter in Qatar but he has been working well,' said de Mieulle.
'He doesn't mind the ground, but he does need a good pace. It will be a hard race, but it's a challenge and we'll see. I think we would be happy if he finishes in the first three.'
