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Hugo Palmer issues Royal Ascot ground warning for Covert Love

Covert Love will not run in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday if the ground is "softer than good", said Hugo Palmer.

Covert Love
Covert Love Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The Newmarket trainer reports last year's Darley Irish Oaks heroine ready for her first run of the campaign, but warns he will not run her against the colts if conditions are unsuitable.

"The plan is very much to go to the Prince of Wales's on Wednesday," said Palmer.

"We had a discussion with the syndicate of owners and there was a feeling maybe she could go a mile and a half.

"She has been beaten twice over that trip but when it was soft ground.

"If the ground is softer than good she won't run in the Prince of Wales's.

"She's in very good heart for her first run of the year and it will be the first time she's taken on the boys since winning her maiden last year."

Covert Love is one of nine confirmations for the Group One highlight, with Aidan O'Brien's Found the only other filly.

Found has been busy this season, being beaten on her return before winning the Mooresbridge Stakes but having to settle for second to Fascinating Rock and Postponed in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Coronation Cup respectively.

O'Brien may also run Highland Reel, the Hong Kong Vase winner.

Japanese star A Shin Hikari is the ante-post favourite after an effortless win in France, when he had several previous Group One winners behind him.

Roger Charlton's Time Test, Kevin Ryan's The Grey Gatsby and Charlie Appleby's Tryster all hold claims on their best form.

My Dream Boat and Western Hymn are also still engaged.


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