Aajel aims for Alexandra glory

Marcus Tregoning is confident Aajel can prove his recent York running to be all wrong when he lines up in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot.

After finishing a fine second to Illustrious Blue in Sandown’s Sagaro Stakes, the six-year-old was beaten out of sight when sent off favourite for a Listed prize on the Knavesmire.

He tackles a a gruelling two miles and six furlongs on Saturday, but Tregoning does not believe that will be a problem for his giant grey.

Tregoning said: “Hopefully he should turn that York run around, the ground at York was horrible that day.

“It was a very hot day and he just didn’t act for whatever reason.

“He’s been working well since so I’m looking for a good run from him.

“He’s a lovely horse and had been progressive before York. He’s 17:2 high – he must be one of the biggest in training.”

Aajel is one of 18 runners in the Royal Ascot finale, with the Willie Mullins-trained Deutschland and Nicky Henderson’s Sentry Duty interesting runners from the National Hunt sphere.