Smith Hoping For Maximum Impact

Nick Smith, head of public relations at Ascot, is hoping Deep Impact will form the spearhead of a fantastic international raiding party for the Royal meeting.

The Japanese superstar is entered in the 10-furlong Prince Of Wales's Stakes at the showpiece fixture in June, as well as the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes over a mile and a half the following month.

Along with Deep Impact, Silent Witness heads a handful of Royal entries from Hong Kong and three Australian sprinters are possibles to try to emulate Choisir, who won both the King's Stand and Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2003.

'It's really important we attract these overseas stars but we are also keen to stress that we are not trying to undermine what we already have,' said Smith.

'We are trying to attract international horses of the quality of Deep Impact and Silent Witness, that sort of calibre.

'What we have to take into account though is that when these horses come over for races like the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes they are taking on the best in the world so it is very difficult for them.

'We are hopeful that Deep Impact will come. It's looks pretty good at this stage that Heart's Cry will come, two fabulous Australian sprinters are booking their trip also,' Smith told At The Races.

'It can be counter-productive to go in there with too much of a heavy pitch, you have to sow the seeds steadily but the whole thing about coming to Ascot is saying that you can win a race on racing's biggest stage.

'If the horses are successful here their breeding value goes through the roof.'

(C) PA Sport