Almaqam books his Royal Ascot ticket

Almaqam (7/1) made it two wins from two starts as a three year old when making a seamless transition into Pattern company at Sandown on Thursday evening. The well bred son of Lope De Vega won in good style at Yarmouth last month and he confirmed the view that he is a smart colt in the making when running away with the Listed Heron Stakes at the Esher venue. Left in front turning for home, he picked up well when asked for his effort by William Buick stretching nearly four lengths clear. Ed Walker indicated afterwards that a trip to Royal Ascot is on the cards next month. Entered in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes, he is considered more likely to contest the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes over ten furlongs. His dam won over ten and twelve furlongs and the longer trip is expected to suit him. 

The runner-up Kikkuli ran well under Ryan Moore having raced keenly early on. Holding every chance in the homestraight, Harry Charlton's three year old couldn't match the winner's turn of foot but stayed on at the finish. His connections feel better ground will suit and he remains a bright prospect who can only improve with experience.