Gale set to blow in the Jersey

Gale Force Ten takes a drop in class and distance when he bids to land a first Group-race success in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt turned in a class performance when runner-up to his stablemate Magician in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh last month.

He had also finished a close fourth in the French equivalent and connections go into the seven-furlong Group Three full of optimism.

"He's a grand horse who always tries his best and he's very consistent," said the trainer's son and rider Joseph O'Brien.

"He's seems in good form since the Irish Guineas and he's entitled to run a big race."

O'Brien senior is of the opinion this distance should be ideal.

"He's an Oasis Dream horse and ran a good race in the Middle Park last year over six furlongs (when third to Reckless Abandon)," the trainer told At The Races.

"We went to France as we thought maybe getting a mile was going to be his problem, but he surprised us with the way he got the mile at the Curragh. He was coming home very well.

"You'd imagine coming back to seven furlongs will suit him and he seems in good form."

Garswood was a good winner of the Free Handicap on his seasonal debut but was a big disappointment when only seventh in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

"We're happy with him and hope he runs a race. We'll have to see what happens but we are pleased with him now," said Fahey.

"He's joint top-rated on ratings so he's one they have to beat, but I just hope he performs like he does at home and shows he is a good horse."

Clive Cox is happy with his runner Well Acquainted, who showed he could be on the upgrade when winning the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom.

"He won very well at Epsom last time. He keeps on coming up with the goods," said the Lambourn handler.

"This is another step up in a competitive race, but I think the stiff seven furlongs is right up his street.

Richard Hannon has three representatives - Montiridge, Ninjago and Tamayuz Star - and feels they could be in the shake-up.

"Montiridge showed his Windsor run was all wrong when making all to win a Listed race at Newbury, but that was a mile on easy ground, and it remains to be seen whether he will be as effective over this seven furlongs," the trainer told www.richardhannonracing.co.uk.

"Ninjago probably found the ground a bit too fast at Newbury last time, but, though all his four wins have been over six furlongs, he gets the seven well, while our other runner, Tamayuz Star, has been working particularly well recently and seems to be coming back to himself."

Newmarket trainer George Margarson accepts Jammy Guest has a lot on his plate but believes he could surprise a few people.

"On ratings he has no right to be there, but I think he's better than his Listed form. He wouldn't have got in the Buckingham Palace and he's a horse I've trained for Ascot, so we've decided to take a chance in the Jersey," said Margarson.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he ran a massive race."

Ajraam and One Word More represent Charlie Hills and the Lambourn handler is expecting good performances from the pair.

"You won't find two horses who will try harder," the trainer told www.charliehills.com.

"You can write One Word More's run off in Germany where it was a complete disaster from start to finish. William Buick, who won on him at Kempton, is back on board here.

"Ajraam is improving all the time and the horse he beat last time out has won well since."