Hunt Cup aim for Excellent

Excellent Guest is set to have another crack at the Royal Hunt Cup following his victory in the Victoria Cup at Ascot yesterday.

The six-year-old, trained by George Margarson, was only beaten half a length by Prince Of Johanne in the big mile handicap last summer and is likely to attempt to go one better next month.

He will also be given entries in the Wokingham and the Buckingham Palace Handicaps, but the Hunt cup is preferred option at this stage.

“It was great to see the old boy win at Ascot and then Katie (daughter) to win at Warwick (on Artful Lady). It topped the day off nicely,” said Margarson.

“He’s been unlucky with the ground and horses being well-handicapped but he was racing off a 1lb lower mark than when he was second in the Hunt Cup so he had every right to be there. The ground was perfect for him, it was genuine good to firm ground.

“He’s fine and has been out for a pick of grass. We’ll let him settle down for a week and then get him ready for Royal Ascot.

“He’ll be entered in the Hunt Cup and the Wokingham. He has a third option in the Buckingham Palace, but it’s not worth as much money and I think he’s capable of winning a race like the Hunt Cup.

“I’ve got the other fella, Rebellious Guest, who also ran yesterday, for the Buckingham Palace. He was the unlucky horse in the race and on their homework there isn’t much between him and Excellent Guest.”