Raven's team praying for dry spell

Connections of Raven’s Pass are hoping the colt can secure a deserved Group One success in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week.

Fourth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket back in May, the Elusive Quality colt has since been second three times in Group One company, twice chasing home Henrythenavigator.

The John Gosden inmate was a comfortable winner of the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last time and Peter Shoemark, Gosden’s racing secretary, reports him to have come out of that success in great form.

“The QEII is very much the plan for Raven’s Pass at the moment – as long as the ground is not too testing,” said Shoemark.

“Hopefully conditions will be OK so he can take his chance at Ascot and then head for the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Santa Anita.

“It was great to get a one by his name last time as he has run some blinding races this year and he has come out of that run very well indeed.”