Animal Kingdom pleasing connections Dubai World Cup hero Animal Kingdom appears more likely to run in the Queen Anne Stakes, rather than the Prince of Wales's Stakes, at Royal Ascot in June. Trained by English-born, American-based handler Graham Motion, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner claimed the world's richest race with a brilliant display at Meydan last month and arrived at David Lanigan's Kingsdown Stables on April 6. Motion was in Lambourn on Monday to put in place his stable star's training programme. And while the 10-furlong Prince of Wales's Stakes is an obvious alternative at the Royal meeting, the trainer feels the incline at the Berkshire track makes the one-mile Queen Anne the better option. "Your mile at Ascot is much more gruelling and a mile and a quarter to us in the States is like a mile and a half and may just be too much," Motion told Racing UK. "It is a relief that there is no Frankel. The Queen Anne is an interesting option and it is something that I think he can adapt to. "That's the remarkable thing about this horse is that he can do a bit of everything." Animal Kingdom was ridden by Joel Rosario in Dubai, but Motion is keen for John Velazquez to get back on board at Ascot. Velazquez guided Animal Kingdom to his career-defining Kentucky Derby triumph and has previous experience of the Royal meeting. "It is asking a lot for an American jockey to ride here if he hasn't ridden here before, it is not as if he can watch a race first," Motion said. "Velazquez is one of the best jockeys in the world. He has ridden Animal Kingdom before and has won at Ascot so is the logical choice." Motion had not seen Animal Kingdom since two days after the Dubai World Cup, but believes his charge is ready to step up a gear after fortnight off. "I'm very pleased with him," said the trainer. "He has had an easy two weeks. I wouldn't say he has put all his condition back on but I'm pleased with how healthy he looks and how bright he is. "We're going to press on but if there is any reason he shows us he is not up to it we are not going to force the issue. "As long as he continues to work well and it all goes smoothly we will take a shot."
