Balding contemplating Commonwealth challenge for Jonquil

Andrew Balding has raised the possibility of Poule d’Essai des Poulains runner-up Jonquil dropping back in distance for a shot at the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

The Juddmonte-owned son of Lope De Vega has excelled in the early stages of the season winning the Greenham before finding just Henri Matisse too good in France.

However, rather than a St James’s Palace Stakes rematch with his ParisLongchamp conqueror, the Kingsclere handler is contemplating reverting to sprinting at the Royal meeting.

“Jonquil is really good since France and obviously we’re hoping for Royal Ascot and he has a number of engagements there,” said Balding.

“I think the most likely at this stage is dropping him back to six for the Commonwealth Cup but it’s all in the mix. I’d hope he has enough speed for that.”

Balding is one of the main beneficiaries of the retirement of Sir Michael Stoute having inherited both Jonquil and the high-class Epsom-winning filly Formal and he added: “I think if Sir Michael had the horses we’ve acquired, they would have done exactly the same as what they’ve done with us this year.

“They were well looked after and well prepared and we’re very fortunate to have them.”