Accidental Agent ready for mission at Newmarket

Accidental Agent takes the spoils at Royal Ascot. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Accidental Agent faces four rivals in the Group 2 Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.

Eve Johnson Houghton’s stable star caused a huge upset when landing the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and is using the race at Headquarters as a stepping stone towards the QIPCO-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day back at Ascot on October 20.

The son of Delegator was below par in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on his latest appearance, finishing down the field behind Alpha Centauri, but has his sights lowered.

Accidental Agent faces no easy task as he must concede weight all round because of his Group One penalty.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Mustashry is the likely favourite following his recent triumph at Group 2 level in the Park Stakes at Doncaster.

Stoute also saddles Regal Reality, while Roger Varian’s Zabeel Prince and Zonderland from Clive Cox’s yard complete the small but select field. Like Accidental Agent, this trio are also entered in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.