Royal Ascot 2018: Get the latest news from trainers with runners in the Queen Anne Stakes
A field of 15 runners are set to go to post for the opening race of Royal Ascot
A TOP-CLASS field of 15 runners will go to post for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
The trainers with runners in the Group 1 race provide the latest updates ahead of the valuable curtain raiser.
Aidan O'Brien - Rhododendron (3-1f)
"We were very happy with what she did in the Lockinge.
"Given it was her first really competitive run over a mile since the 1000 Guineas last year, I was impressed how well she coped with what was a well-run race.
"Sometimes it can take a horse a while to fully adjust to running back over a mile after running over middle distances, so it wouldn't be a big surprise if she could improve from Newbury."
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Saeed Bin Suroor - Benbatl (9-2)
"Benbatl beat some very good horses in the Dubai Turf. We gave him a break after that, but he is back now and ready to go again.
"This will be another very tough race for him, as he is taking on some top milers. But he has been working well and I have been happy with his preparation.
"Dropping back to a mile will be fine, especially the stiff mile at Ascot, and we are looking for another good result."
David Simcock - Lightning Spear (8-1)
"We were delighted with him in the Lockinge, but frustrated at the same time. We are looking forward to running him in the Queen Anne.
"We have freshened him up, he has trained really well and I think he will go there in good shape.
"He has been a model of consistency and we are probably in the most open year he has ever been in regarding the top milers so we are hoping we get our day in the sun."
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Riley Mott - Yoshida (14-1)
"It's a very competitive Group One and we have to respect everyone in the field, but we're hoping we'll be right up there with the top contenders.
"You always have to respect the Coolmore bunch and they've got a mare that won a Group One against the boys last time (Rhododendron).
"I have optimism in the horse, with how he's travelled and the way he's doing, and that gives us confidence to have a stab at it."
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Andrew Balding - Beat The Bank (20-1)
"I think he has come on for that run in the Lockinge.
"I am pleased with his work at home and he looks very well.
"There is obviously a question mark about the straight course at Ascot suiting him, but we will find that out once and for all on Tuesday. He is in fine fettle."
Ed Crisford - Century Dream (25-1)
"His form is rock solid and he is improving. He has comes through his handicaps and we have just been building him up slowly.
"He has been getting more confident in his racing. He did have a tendency to be a bit keen in his races, but he has grown up a lot.
"I think at the back end of this year and next year you will see a him develop into a really nice horse."