Arcs Bids For Temple Glory

Les Arcs bids to book his ticket to Royal Ascot with a bold show in the betfair.com Temple Stakes at Sandown.

The six-year-old, who holds entries in the both the King's Stand Stakes and the Golden Jubilee Stakes at next month's Royal extravaganza, is among 13 declared for tomorrow's Group Two sprint over five furlongs.

He had won five races on the bounce before being short-headed by Paradise Isle in the Listed Abernant Stakes over six furlongs at Newmarket six weeks ago.

'He's in good form and he's had a nice break since the Abernant Stakes and I've always had this race in mind for him,' said Bawtry trainer Tim Pitt.

'The stiff five will suit him down to the ground. I would have loved to have some better ground and a better draw (four) but in that ground I don't think the draw will be as significant.

'He's fresh and well in himself and it's always been the intention to go this route. We will see if we are good enough to roll our hand at Royal Ascot. We'll see how it goes.

'I don't think he'll disgrace himself. We've rolled the dice six times and five sixes and a five have come up when he got beat the last day.

'It's the obvious route to take with him. He's in the King's Stand and the Golden Jubilee. The King's Stand would be the more reasonable option this time.

'I've always taken it one race at a time with him and we'll see what tomorrow brings.'

Preston trainer Eric Alston is hoping for a bit of luck in running for Reverence, who was beaten just under two lengths when fourth of 22 to Dandy Man in the Group Three Palace House Stakes at Newmarket on his latest start.

'I'm happy enough. He'll need some luck but he's in great order,' said Alston.

'He just didn't come down the hill at Newmarket and got too far behind. That was just because of the ground, I think.

'The stiff five should be bang on for him and he's in as good order as we've had him all year.'

The Tatling and The Trader, who were fifth and 15th respectively in the Palace House, renew rivalry. Other runners include Balmont, Eisteddfod and Godfrey Street, the only three-year-old in the line-up.

(C) PA Sport