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Carl Spackler and Satono Reve were amongst the leading contenders completing their final preparations at Newmarket's July Course as the Royal Ascot meeting draws near.
The United States turf performer Carl Spackler was putting the finishing touches to his preparation under Jamie Spencer, with the 5YO son of Lope de Vega set to make his debut for Australian handler Ciaron Maher in the Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes .
Having recorded his third Group One success for Chad Brown with victory in the Gr.1 Maker's Mark Miles Stakes at Keeneland in April, the gelding was subsequently purchased by Yulong Investments with Royal Ascot and an Australian spring campaign in mind.
The horse shipped directly from America to Newmarket, leaving Sydney-based Maher in the unusual position of preparing a runner for Royal Ascot who has yet to set foot in his stable.
Will Bourne, Maher's head of bloodstock, said: "We came here wanting to have a hit out. This was Carl Spackler's second gallop since arriving in Newmarket. He came over here in good condition from Chad Brown, weighing about 525 kilograms. After the feedback from Jamie Spencer from his first gallop, we came here and achieved exactly what we wanted to. Jamie said when he gave him a squeeze late, he really exploded, and Jamie was really impressed by how much he has switched on since the first gallop."
Bourne acknowledged the unusual nature of the operation, explaining: "It is a very unique scenario to purchase a horse from America, to be trained by an Australian, to run at Royal Ascot. I think his biggest challenge will be the conditions and the track. A stiff mile at Ascot is a big ask coming from America, although his times out there really stack up and, thanks to his temperament, he is the perfect horse to travel. He is an absolute dude, like a kid's pony."
The Queen Anne Stakes is expected to present a formidable challenge. "The Queen Anne Stakes is going to be a red-hot race. There is no hiding place in a Group One race at Royal Ascot and you would never get an easy field. We think Carl Spackler is a pretty good horse and hopefully he can show up," Bourne continued.
James McDonald has been secured for the ride, with Bourne adding: "James McDonald has had a lot of luck in these colours with Via Sistina, and he has ridden winners at Royal Ascot before, so it was a good fit for everybody. It is always nice to have a world-class jockey on your horse in a Group One. James has had a look at the horse's tapes and is very excited about him."
Japan's leading sprinter Satono Reve completed his workout under Ryan Moore as he prepares for the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes . The 6YO will provide trainer Noriyuki Hori and owner Hajime Satomi with their first runner at the Royal meeting.
The Group One-winning performer finished second to Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising in the Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize during his most recent appearance in April.
Looking ahead, Bourne outlined the longer-term objectives for Carl Spackler: "Royal Ascot is a great carnival. It is similar when you speak to English trainers and owners coming down for the Melbourne Cup, they love the buzz of the whole week, and it is the same for us coming here. It is a world-class stage and for Yulong to entrust us with the horse is amazing.
"The long-term plan is to bring Carl Spackler back to Australia for the Cox Plate and we would be thrilled to take the Queen Anne Stakes on the way through. We may also look at Goodwood as well, depending how next week goes."