Reel returns to Ascot for Wales's assignment Highland Reel returns to the scene of one his biggest triumphs when he goes to post for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot this afternoon. Aidan O'Brien's globetrotter landed the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at the Berkshire venue last summer, before going on to glory at the Breeders' Cup. He banished a lacklustre Dubai Sheema Classic performance to the memory when bouncing back to win the Coronation Cup at Epsom on his most recent appearance. "He's an incredibly versatile horse and, while it's not been long since Epsom, we've been happy with what he has done since then," said O'Brien. "He's a typical Galileo - he's very sound mentally and physically, and very consistent. He has a lot of natural ability, a lot of natural tactical pace and obviously he stays very well too." William Buick does not believe the drop back to 10 furlongs will prove problematic for 2015 Irish Derby hero Jack Hobbs. Injuries have limited John Gosden's charge to just a handful of starts since his Classic year, but he impressed on his seasonal bow when he was barely off the bridle in the 12-furlong Sheema Classic, beating O'Brien's classy Seventh Heaven by two and a quarter lengths. "Obviously he's dropping back a couple of furlongs, but he showed a lot of pace in Dubai when he wore the blinkers first time," said Buick. "He was very good there, he travelled very well and he's run well in two Champion Stakes there so he'll be comfortable enough at the trip." Gosden does not feel the quicker ground will be an issue, either, telling www.godoolphin.com: "It was always the plan to go to Royal Ascot after he won in Dubai, we had the choice of this race and the Hardwicke over a mile and a half later in the week. "He will be running on ground quicker than he won on in Dubai, but he has gone well on a fast surface before." Decorated Knight has been a revelation since joining Roger Charlton and claimed a second success at the highest level in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last time. "We're there to give it a shot. He's done well since joining us, but it's another step up. The race in Ireland was a fair race, but this is a step up," said Charlton. "He's come out of his victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in very good form and he will appreciate the fast ground and likely fast pace. "He has now won five of his last seven races and I think it is fair to say on each occasion he has improved. "When he won at the Curragh, he was pricking his ears and only doing what was required. He is progressing all the time into a thoroughly good horse."
