Balding to decide on Ascot quest

Andrew Balding is likely to decide later in the week whether new recruit Diamond Quest will make his debut for the yard at Royal Ascot.

The son of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Saumarez acquitted himself well in handicap company in Dubai earlier this season when trained by leading South African handler Mike De Kock.

His sole success at Nad Al Sheba came over a mile but Diamond Quest currently holds entries in the 12-furlong Hardwicke Stakes and the stamina-sapping Gold Cup at next week’s Berkshire jamboree.

While Balding is yet to firm up plans, he is looking forward to seeing what the six-year-old can do.

“It’s an open plan at the moment,” the Kingsclere handler explained.

“He’s a possibility for the Royal meeting and he’s due to work on Thursday, so we’ll make a decision after that.

“We’ve had him around three months since he came back from Dubai and he’s settled in well and seems a nice horse.”