Cesare team back for more Ascot glory

Connections of Queen Anne hopeful Cesare are hoping the “Ascot factor” will stand James Fanshawe’s course specialist in good stead when he goes for gold at the Royal meeting on Tuesday.

Owned by Cheveley Park Stud, the gelding has already won four times at the Berkshire track but has yet to make the breakthrough at Group One level and finished fourth when last seen in the Lockinge.

Chris Richardson, managing director for Cheveley Park, said: “We’re looking forward to it and he’s remarkably consistent and enjoys it at Ascot.

“If we get any rain beforehand that would help us a bit and he ran well in it last year, but it is perhaps debatable if he is quite up to winning at Group One level.

“But he is very brave and consistent and this race is the logical one for him.”

Although Richardson has much respect for the key opposition, he feels Cesare is capable of getting closely involved in the Group One opener to the meeting.

“I think it’s probably an open race and James’ horses have been running well enough,” he continued.

“He seems very happy and hopefully the Ascot factor will give us a slight edge.

“It is highly competitive as we know but when the favourite (Creachadoir) came out it gave us a little bit more hope.”