Cosmopolitan Look To Jubilee A total of 77 horses from all corners of the globe have been entered for the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot at York on June 18 - leg four of the Global Sprint Challenge. The field is headed by the winners of the first two legs in Australia - Fastnet Rock, who is trained by Paul Perry, the man responsible for 2003 Jubilee winner Choisir, and the Hong Kong-based Cape Of Good Hope. Japanese hopes rest with Keeneland Swan and Precious Cafe, while Canada is represented by Soaring Free and America by Mighty Beau. The European defence is headed by five entries for Aidan O´Brien, including Middle Park Stakes winner Ad Valorem and Airwave, who chased home Choisir two years ago. Last year´s winner Fayr Jag represents Tim Easterby. 'We´re delighted with the reception of the Global Sprint Challenge and to have the winners of both Australian races on target for the two Royal Ascot legs is more than we could have hoped for in the first year,' said Nick Smith, head of public relations at Ascot. 'We´re well on the way with organising shipping for both horses and are now getting into detailed negotiations with regards to Japan´s possible representatives. 'It would be marvellous to secure one or both of the North American entries and we´re doing all we can with our colleagues at the International Racing Bureau to facilitate all these ventures.' Stephen Allanson, director of racing operations for Racing Victoria, said: 'The challenge is really taking off. It´s massive news in Australia. Cape Of Good Hope running in both of our legs was a tremendous boost, especially when he became the first horse trained overseas ever to win at Moonee Valley. 'At the very least Fastnet Rock looks the equal of Choisir and he´s probably achieved more in Australia than Choisir had before shipping - he´s won again and been second twice in Group Ones since the Lightning Stakes and he´s with a trainer who knows how to win in England.' Dr Naoaki Koike, representing the Japan Racing Association, added: 'Precious Cafe and Keeneland Swan are Japan´s best sprinters at this stage and we consider them equivalent to likes of Agnes World. 'We hope they will prove their ability at Royal Ascot and we look forward to welcoming globe-trotting speedsters to Japan this coming autumn, when we host the final legs of the challenge.' ? PA Sport
