America Queen and Royal Fixation on course for Cheveley Park rematch

Richard Hughes is eager to see if America Queen can reverse Lowther Stakes form with Royal Fixation at Newmarket on Saturday after both were amongst the 11 confirmations for the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes.

An impressive 12-length winner at Haydock on debut, the Weathercock House handler had no qualms about pitching the daughter of Havana Grey immediately in at Group Two level on the Knavesmire where she performed with real credit to fight out the finish with Ed Walker’s youngster.

Although full of respect for Royal Fixation – who is heading the ante-post betting for the Group One event – Hughes feels a better America Queen will be seen in the Rowley Mile rematch having banked vital experience in deep waters at York.

Hughes said: “I’ve been really happy with her and she’ll go to the Cheveley Park.

“I really respect the favourite but it will be a different track and different ground, so it could be a different result.

“Newmarket is really unique and with America Queen’s action, I think she’ll handle it no problem.

“I learned nothing the first day as she won so easy, but I thought she ran a good race at York even though she was still a little green. RyRan (Moore) had to commit earlier than he would have liked on her and when you add up all the little things, can she find a length? Maybe.”

Others include Royal Ascot winner True Love for Aidan O’Brien and stablemate Moyglare Stakes runner-up Beautify, Hugo Palmer’s Fitzella, Rod Millman’s Anthelia and The Prettiest Star, a stable companion of Royal Fixation.

The equivalent race for the colts, the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, also has 11 still in contention, with Charlie Appleby’s Wise Approach a key name.

He was a close third in the Prix Morny last time out behind Venetian Sun and in second that day was O’Brien’s Gstaad with the two potentially meeting again.

O’Brien could also run Brussels, First Approach, Kansas or Champagne Stakes winner Puerto Rico.

Coppull, Havana Hurricane and Hilitany are in the mix while Andrew Balding has supplemented Five Ways.

In the Group Two Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes, as expected George Boughey has supplemented Bow Echo.

Charlie Johnston’s unbeaten Ancient Egypt, Chesham winner Humidity and seven from O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable, including Daytona and Endorsement, add plenty of strength in depth.