Lad's Ascot bid hangs in balance

Richard Hannon has not decided whether Lilbourne Lad will definitely be part of his Royal Ascot team despite his wide-margin victory at Naas on Monday.

The Doncaster maiden winner was beaten in a novice race at Newmarket last month but turned the Listed Alfred Nobel Rochestown Stakes into a procession under Richard Hughes.

“He was impressive,” said Hannon.

“I thought he went there with a chance, but to go and win by six lengths was a good performance.

“I don’t know where he’ll go. I expect we will stick him in the Coventry Stakes but I’m wondering whether it might be better to wait for the July meeting at Newmarket.”