Hall set for English debut

Luca Cumani is set to run Singapore International Airlines Cup winner Endless Hall in the Prince Of Wales`s Stakes at Royal Ascot next week, he revealed today.

His five-year-old will be having his first race in England after being campaigned almost exclusively abroad, although he did triumph in the Scottish Classic at Ayr last season.

Cumani had been mulling over options for the horse but said today: 'He is an intended runner in the Prince Of Wales`s Stakes at the moment and Jamie Spencer will ride.'

However, the Newmarket trainer has left Endless Hall in Sunday`s Gran Premio di Milano at San Siro, a race he won last year, as a precaution.

He added: 'If the forecast at Ascot is for rain and soft ground then he will go to Italy instead.'

Globe-trotting mare Ela Athena is on target for a crack at the Italian Group One event - for which 10 horses remain at the confirmation stage - according to trainer Michael Jarvis.

The five-year-old, who made an encouraging reappearance behind Water Jump in a Listed event at Windsor earlier this month, also holds an engagement in the Hardwicke Stakes but is likely to tackle Sunday`s race.

'She is a probable runner on Sunday,' revealed Jarvis.

'I`m very pleased with her and she`s done fine since her last race.'

Ela Athena put up some fine performances last season, including narrow second-placed finishes in the Man O`War Stakes at Belmont Park and Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.

Meanwhile, Cumani`s promising Beverley maiden winner Duchcov is set for a step up to Listed company in the Ballymacoll Stakes at Newbury on Thursday.

His twice-raced daughter of Caerleon showed a nice turn of foot at the West Yorkshire track last month and her trainer feels she deserves a chance in better company.

'She is a nice filly and, although it is a big step up in class, she deserves to take her chance,' he said.