Stoute Asks The Questions In Canada

Sir Michael Stoute is optimistic of a good run from Ask in the Pattison Canadian International at Woodbine on Sunday.

The four-year-old chases Group One glory with just a light campaign behind him due to a training setback after he won the Ormonde Stakes at Chester in May.

However, he inspired confidence in connections by returning to the track with victory in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot last month.

'He had a foot problem after he won the Ormonde and we tried to get him back for the King George and I rushed it a little bit which set us back even more,' said Stoute, who won the race 11 years ago with Singspiel.

'We didn't get him back until the Cumberland Lodge but he's a nice fresh horse for the autumn.

'It a nice, good galloping track at Woodbine and we are entitled to be very hopeful.

'If he reproduces his Cumberland Lodge form he should go very close but let's get Sunday out of the way first before making plans for next year,' the Newmarket trainer told At The Races.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Honolulu, third to Ask at Ascot and the mount of Mick Kinane, is one of two three-year-olds in the race.

Favourite for the 2million contest is Quijano, trained in Germany by Peter Schiergen.

The 12-strong field also includes Sky Conqueror, last year's top turf horse in Canada and Irish Wells, trained in France by Francois Rohaut while Johnny Murtagh partners Oracle West for Mike de Kock.

(C) PA Sport