Wall Mulls Ashdown Options

Ashdown Express could take on handicap company rather than tackle Group One class at Royal Ascot.

Trainer Chris Wall will decide later this week whether to give Ashdown Express another crack at the Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday week or run him in the Wokingham Stakes on the same card.

'We´ll have to look at his homework and see if he has a live shot in the Wokingham or whether we go for the Golden Jubilee,' said the Newmarket-based handler.

'He´s eight years old now so the likelihood is he may not be quite as good as he might once have been and the handicap option might prove to be the better one, but that´s a decision we´ll make later this week.'

Ashdown Express was fourth to Les Arcs in the Golden Jubilee 12 months ago having been down the field in the King´s Stand Stakes earlier in the week. He then went on to finish third, also behind Les Arcs, in the July Cup.

However, he has not visited the winner´s enclosure since he dead-heated with Moss Vale for a Listed race at Goodwood in September 2005. He is set to carry 9st 5lb in the Wokingham.

Wall hopes Ace Of Hearts can bounce back to form in the Royal Hunt Cup following a disappointing run at Sandown two weeks ago.

The Newmarket trainer could find no reason for the eight-year-old´s disappointing display in finishing sixth of seven to Killena Boy in a handicap over an extended mile.

'Ace Of Hearts could go for the Hunt Cup. He ran a bit flat the other day, we don´t know why, but he seems in good heart now,' Wall told At The Races.

'He´ll work later this week then we will make a decision to see if he goes for the Hunt Cup. We would like to send him there if possible.'

(C) PA Sport