Smart Charge No Soft Touch

Hellvelyn's bid for further Group-race glory at Ascot in the John Guest Diadem Stakes on Sunday is dependent on the ground not riding too soft.

Bryan Smart's colt won last season's Coventry Stakes at the Royal meeting but did not appear as a three-year-old until finishing in mid-division in the July Cup.

While Hellvelyn finished last in the Sprint Cup, victory in the Beverley Bullet showed he still possesses the necessary toe to make an impact in decent company on his favoured sound surface.

Smart said: 'It all depends on the ground and what the weather does as he won't be running on soft ground.

'I've been over the moon with the horse this year to have come back and won so well like he did at Beverley the time before.

'With a view to the weekend, basically he's in very good nick at the moment but it'll all depend on the ground.

'I think five or six furlongs isn't a problem for him.'

Among the potential opposition is Curragh specialist Benbaun, Peter Chapple-Hyam's Al Qasi and the Luca Cumani-trained Balthazaar's Gift.

US Ranger could make his first start for Aidan O'Brien, while Richard Hannon can choose from Assertive, Galeota, Major Cadeaux and Sonny Red.

Zidane and Dark Missile, both successful in major handicaps this season, also appear among the list of 23 horses still engaged.

While a competitive renewal looks assured, Smart will be hoping Hellvelyn can rise to the occasion and give him another notable win.

The North Yorkshire trainer has already enjoyed Pattern-race glory with his older sprinters this season, thanks to the victory of Moorhouse Lad in the Audi Stakes at Goodwood.

That Ron Hull-owned four-year-old will not run again this season, however, as connections give him time to recharge his batteries.

'He's definitely put away for next season now as he's been on the go for quite a long time,' added Smart, whose charge finished 11th in the Nunthorpe after being supplemented for the race.

'He's back with his owners enjoying a nice winter holiday and he'll come back next year before we see where we go with him.'

? PA Sport