Jarvis waits on Regime bid

Michael Jarvis will make a decision later in the week whether to let Ancien Regime take his chance in the John Guest Diadem Stakes at Ascot on Sunday.

The three-year-old ran out a game winner of a Group Three event at Sandown on his penultimate start and was far from disgraced when sixth in the Ladbrokes Sprint Cup at Doncaster last time.

That was the colt’s first start in Group One company and Jarvis was encouraged with how he handled the testing conditions.

“We were delighted with his run at Doncaster and to be honest, it was probably a career-best effort,” said Jarvis.

“We did have slight concerns about the dead ground beforehand but he seemed to handle it well and he finished third on his side of the track and was only beaten a length and a half.

“As far as the weekend goes, I would say he is a possible runner more than a probable runner at this stage and we will keep our options open.”

There are currently a total of 25 in the Group Two heat with Advanced a possible contender for Kevin Ryan having let down favourite-backers in the Ayr Gold Cup last weekend.

Richard Hannon appears to have a strong hand with Assertive and Edge Closer, while a former Hannon inmate Asset could line up for Godolphin.

Other interesting entries include Fleeting Spirit, who has been off the track since finishing third in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, Sir Gerry and the hat-trick seeking Lesson In Humility.