2000 Guineas hero Chaldean is set for a first run against older rivals in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

The Andrew Balding-trained colt was unable to back up his Guineas success when  second behind Irish 2000 Guineas victor Paddington in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

It was hoped that Chaldean would benefit from the return to seven furlongs on his next start in the Group 1 Jean Prat at Deauville. The son of Frankel started favourite for the race and was prominent in the early stages, but quickly faded to finish seventh. 

In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon said: "It's all systems go for the QEII, I spoke with Andrew yesterday and he's very happy with him.

"The horse worked very well on Saturday and he's continuing to progress. He'll have a racecourse gallop in the next couple of weeks, just to put him spot-on.

"Initially we'd hoped to get to the Joel Stakes, but we're just a little bit behind schedule after a little break on the farm where he obviously did very well physically and put on plenty of condition.

"He needed it after France, he'd had a couple of hard races, so he just needed a few weeks away and he's fresh and well and ready to go for the QEII hopefully.

"He's got a lot stronger and has always been quite a laid-back horse. It's took a bit of work to get his mind focussed and get him back to race fitness, but he's coming there slowly but surely and I think they're all very happy with him in Kingsclere."

Chaldean is widely available at 10/1 for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on 21 October. He is expected to face old foe Paddington and Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Tahiyra.