Able Friend confirmed for Royal Ascot test

Able Friend now heads to Royal Ascot bidding for Queen Anne Stakes glory. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Hong Kong superstar miler Able Friend has been confirmed as an intended runner at Royal Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes, according to his trainer John Moore.

The five-year-old, who has won four Group 1 contests in his last five races, has been given the greenlight to travel to England by connections after a convincing start to the campaign.

Ahead of a tilt at the QIPCO British Champions Series contest next month, Able Friend’s trainer Moore is both optimistic and excited.

He told The South Morning China Post: "I’m going in very open minded. We are taking on the cream of the crop on the world stage. This is our intention, to take on the very best, but we aren’t going in thinking the result is a foregone conclusion.

"We don’t take on these horses lightly. But I have a dream of winning another Group 1 offshore, especially at Royal Ascot. 

"I have been there as a spectator many times and I think I have the horse to do the job, but this is the world stage and we are tackling them on their home turf."

The son of Sharmadal is likely to face a throng of champion milers at the Royal meeting, including Dubai Turf winner Solow, QIPCO 2000 Guineas hero Night of Thunder and French raider Karakontie.