Archivist books his ticket for Royal Ascot

William Haggas nominated the former Sir Michael Stoute trained Archivist as his horse to follow in Ahead On The Flat. Runner-up on three occasions as a juvenile, the son of Dubawi was unfortunate not to score on his first run for the head of Somerville Lodge at Nottingham in April. A fast finishing second having met trouble in running, the Cheveley Park Stud owned colt was being aimed at the London Gold Cup at Newbury. Forced to miss that engagement, he reappeared in a mile maiden at Leicester on Tuesday and made no mistake. Racing prominently, he led over a furlong out before being pushed clear to register his first victory by four and a half lengths. Officially rated 86, Archivist is now expected to head to Royal Ascot with the Golden Gates Handicap Stakes over ten furlongs his most likely target.

Talking of the Royal meeting, William Haggas kindly sends me a list of his runners over the five days and I will receive confirmation of Archivist's running plans and the rest of the team. If you haven't ordered a copy of the Ahead On The Flat Royal Ascot Update, please head to the Publications section of the site. Thank you very much to those clients who have ordered - the response has been excellent and greatly appreciated.