Palace Primed For Big Lodge Run

Palace Episode is back in top form ahead of his step up to Group Two level in Sunday´s totesport.com Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket.

Kevin Ryan´s colt had to miss his intended run in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster earlier in the month after an unsatisfactory scope on the morning of the race.

The Hambleton Lodge handler reports Palace Episode to be well over that minor problem now and back in the kind of form that saw him win the Listed Acomb Stakes at York´s Ebor meeting.

'He´s in good form and I think he´s improved a fair bit since York,' said Ryan. 'He´s a bigger, stronger horse now and he´s progressing the right way.

'It was very testing ground at Doncaster and although he likes a bit of cut, I´m not sure he would have gone as deep as that.

'He just wasn´t 100% on the day of the race and I wasn´t going to take any chances with him. He´s done well since and I couldn´t be happier with him.'

Palace Episode will be having just his third career start in Sunday´s race and he will be trying the mile trip for the first time, as well as having a first try in Pattern company.

'It is another big step up for him but it was a jump at York and he won that quite decisively so there´s no reason why he shouldn´t take his chance,' said Ryan.

'We will see how he copes with the mile but there are a lot of horses with big reputations going there so it will be an interesting race.'

Palace Episode is entered in both the Darley Dewhurst Stakes and Racing Post Trophy next month but Ryan added: 'He´s entered in the Dewhurst but we will see what happens on Sunday before we decide on any plans.'

Palace Episode will clash with well-touted colts City Of Troy and True Cause.

The former, who is handled by Sir Michael Stoute, made a favourable impression on his debut at Newbury before going on to claim a conditions event at Doncaster.

Meanwhile, Godolphin´s True Cause, who was supplemented at the beginning of the week, has the form in the book after beating Leo in the Listed Stardom Stakes at Goodwood last time. The John Gosden-trained runner-up reopposes on Sunday.

Doctor Dash will represent David Elsworth, while the William Haggas-trained Charlie Cool has claims after winning at York.

Areyoutalkingtome, Kilworth and Well Armed complete the nine-strong field for the #70,000 prize.

(C) PA Sport