Telescope still in King George mix Telescope could bid to put his below-par performance at Royal Ascot behind him by returning to the track next month for a shot at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The Sir Michael Stoute trained five-year old saw his quest to land back-to-back renewals of the Hardwicke Stakes end in disappointment after he trailed home a well-beaten sixth in the Group Two contest behind stablemate Snow Sky. Despite the setback, connections of the son of Galileo have not ruled out stepping him back up to Group One company for a second shot at the July 25 showpiece having finished second in it 12 months ago. Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "Telescope is absolutely fine. "The fast ground combined with the slow tempo was not for him. He ran the worst race of his life, which was incredibly disappointing, but both Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute have said we have just got to put a line through it. "It was all wrong for him in what was a muddling race. He likes a decent pace where he can get into a rhythm. Ryan said there was no good in the ground, it was just firm. "The King George is a consideration, as is the Princess Of Wales's Stakes. These are a couple of options and we will look nearer the time." While a return to top level company could be on the cards for Telescope, a drop down in grade is under consideration for Ribblesdale Stakes runner-up Pamona. Although the Luca Cumani-trained three-year-old holds an entry in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh next month, a shot at the Group One prize is likely to be swerved. Herbert said: "The Irish Oaks is a possibility for Pamona but having spoken to Luca, it may be we go for a Listed race or a Group Three to nail that bold black type before going back up the ladder. "She was knocked in the straight in the Ribblesdale and though she wouldn't have won, she would have probably finished closer. "She is a class filly that is improving every with run. She might go and run a big race in the Irish Oaks but, at this stage, we feel we may step her back in grade." An ease in class could also be next on the agenda for Chesham Stakes fifth Force, with connections keen for him to lose his maiden status before plotting more challenging tasks. Herbert said: "We were very pleased with Force's run in the Chesham as he is still green and immature. Robert Havlin was impressed with him. "A stiff six furlongs should suit him so he could go to Newmarket's July Meeting to try and win a maiden. He is a great strong horse, hopefully with a bright future." While potential plans have been mapped out for most of those horses that represented connections at Royal Ascot, Herbert has stressed that nothing has yet been lined up for St James's Palace Stakes third Consort. He said: "Consort put in a terrific run considering it was only his third race. He is a very exciting colt who is making improvement rapidly. "Sir Michael Stoute is in no rush with him as he is a horse for the future so there are no immediate plans."
