Dunlop looks to QEII

Ed Dunlop’s Sussex Stakes hero Court Masterpiece is to be aimed at the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on September 23.

The six-year-old entire produced a career best effort to score at Glorious Goodwood, and Dunlop now hopes his place at stud will be guaranteed.

“He quickened up very well under Jimmy Fortune, who gave him a great ride,” said the Newmarket trainer.

“The myth about him being a seven-furlong specialist seems to have gone, certainly on that ground.

"He has impressively beaten some very good milers.

“He has had a much more level campaign this year and having a Group One penalty has meant that we’ve always known where we’ve been going,” Dunlop told his website www.edunlop.com.

“Hopefully, this will allow him to be a stallion in the future. That will be great for the horse and fully deserved.

“At this stage, we are planning to go for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes next.

“The horse has come out well from his Goodwood race and is back enjoying gentle canters. He seems very fresh and well.”