Romanised fresh for date in Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

The QE II betting is headed by French raider Recoletos. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Ken Condon believes a light campaign can help Romanised play a leading role in the QIPCO-sponsored Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on QIPCO British Champions at Ascot on Saturday week.

The Irish 2,000 Guineas winner disappointed at Royal Ascot on very fast ground, and has only been seen once since then – when a creditable fifth to Alpha Centauri in the Prix Jacques le Marois.

That was just his fourth outing of the season, and Condon believes that could be a favourable factor on Saturday week.

“It’s all systems go for the QEII – he’s training very well,” said Condon. “I hope he’s going there a fresher horse than some, having only had the four starts, and he’s in super form.

“He’s worked nicely, and we’re working nicely towards the QEII – and at the moment everything is good.

“The only thing that would worry me now is very deep ground – but even though the race is still some way off, it doesn’t look like we’ll get that.”

He added: “He ran a solid race in France. I thought he was booked for third. But he’d committed early enough down the middle of the track, and the first few horses were all on the stands side.

“He ran very respectably, and it will be interesting to see who else turns up.”

French challenger Recoletos heads the ante-post betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at 3-1, with Romanised available at 33-1.