Highland Reel© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien is hoping Highland Reel can exact his revenge on Dartmouth in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot today.
The Hong Kong Vase winner was just a head behind Dartmouth in the Hardwicke.
That was his first run since finishing well beaten in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin in April so he has the potential to improve again.
O'Brien said of Ryan Moore's mount: "He's in good form and we've been happy with him since Ascot. He ran very well there and we were very happy with him.
"The plan going to the Hardwicke was with an eye on going back for the King George."
O'Brien also saddles recent Curragh Group Three scorer Sir Isaac Newton, who won the Wolferton Handicap at the Royal fixture and will be ridden Seamie Heffernan.
The Ballydoyle trainer said: "We're very happy with him. He really started coming to himself before Ascot. We were delighted with him there and delighted with him at the Curragh.
"It's another big step up, and a step up in trip. When he ran in the Jersey and was unlucky we thought he'd be a miler, even though he's bred to get further.
"He's starting to relax now. He was plenty mature enough but immature in his mind."
Having already provided the Queen with a Royal Ascot winner in the year of her 90th birthday, Dartmouth aims for a famous success in the Group One.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute, who is aiming to notch a record-breaking sixth win in the race, said: "Dartmouth has kept improving.
"I thought he would be in the frame (in the Hardwicke), but I thought we would win the race with Exosphere (eighth).
"He started the year on 101 and has improved with every race (now on a mark of 119).
"He is very consistent and will run a good, solid race."
