Bassett primed for Palace showdown with Frankel

RICHARD Fahey’s stable star Wootton Bassett remains on course for a mouthwatering clash with Frankel in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot next Tuesday.

The Iffraaj colt was a slightly disappointing fifth in last month’s French 2000 Guineas following an unbeaten juvenile campaign, but pulled far too hard for much of the race.

Part-owner Frank Brady is hopeful his colt will be all the better for that run and is excited to be heading to the opening day of the Royal meeting.