Art Ready For Rebel Rematch

Peter Chapple-Hyam is relishing the prospect of taking on dual 2000 Guineas winner Cockney Rebel again with Dutch Art in the St James´s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

After rounding off his juvenile season with an authoritative performance in the Middle Park Stakes, he was expected to be a major contender for top honours this season.

But a defeat in the Greenham Stakes behind Major Cadeaux preceded his third-place finish in the Guineas at Newmarket.

However, full of confidence after the victory of Authorized in the Derby last week, Chapple-Hyam is keen to take on his Headquarters conqueror again.

'Cockney Rebel was a very good winner at Newmarket and went on to win well at the Curragh. My horse has improved since they last met but is it enough to turn the tables? Only time will tell,' said Chapple-Hyam.

'I was delighted (with his performance in the Guineas). It was a serious, serious run and I was over the moon with him. It showed that he stays the mile and has retained his class,' he told www.sportinglife.com.

'He has definitely improved since the Guineas. He has only had two runs this season and will be absolutely spot-on for Royal Ascot. He has improved both mentally and physically from Newmarket.

'He definitely goes for the St James´s Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting and I have no worries about going round a bend for the first time. He is such an easy horse to ride I wouldn´t have any concerns about anything.'

(C) PA Sport