Highclere Ascot Plans Revealed

Distinction is set to fly the flag for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing as he lines up in Thursday's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

The seven-year-old finished a narrow second in the race when it was run at York last year but connections are hoping he can fare better this time around.

Managing director Harry Herbert said: 'It is very exciting to have Distinction run in the Gold Cup again.

'Distinction loves fast ground and did not relish the soft going when giving weight away on his seasonal debut at Newbury, but still won.

'Touch wood, he seems in great form and it would be a fairytale to win the Gold Cup.'

Herbert also outlined running plans for Asset, Conquest and Forgery, and expects a bold show from the former dropping back in trip in tomorrow's Jersey Stakes.

'Asset seems in great form. He has got a lot of speed and a stiff seven furlongs should be ideal,' he explained.

'In hindsight, I think he ran well in the Guineas, though the trainer and jockey felt he could have done better.'

'Conquest goes for the Windsor Castle Stakes (Tuesday).

'He deserves to take his chance and Jimmy Fortune will ride.'

'Forgery won the Spring Cup at Newbury (beating 24 others on April 22) and it was always the plan to wait for the Royal Hunt,' Herbert explained.

'Kieren Fallon rides him for the first time as Nicky Mackay is claimed by Luca Cumani.'

? PA Sport