Docklands ‘almost certainly’ going for Queen Anne

Harry Eustace has hinted that Docklands will take his place in the opening Queen Anne Stakes when Royal Ascot kicks off on Tuesday.

The four-year-old also holds an entry in the Wolferton Stakes later on the card, but the preference for the Newmarket handler is the Group One contest.

With long-time ante-post favourite Inspiral now likely to swerve the Queen Anne, Eustace is ready to take his chance at the highest level for the first time with Hayley Turner in the plate.

Docklands was narrowly beaten by Quddwah in a Listed Queen Anne trial last month under Oisin Murphy, with Simon and Ed Crisford’s charge also now missing the race after meeting with a setback.

Turner has twice partnered the Massaat colt to victory at the Berkshire track, guiding him home in handicap company before stepping up in class to win the Britannia Stakes by half a length at last year’s meeting.

Eustace said: “Hayley rides Docklands, and he almost certainly goes in the Queen Anne.

“I thought for the Wolferton it came up hot enough and it looks like Inspiral is off to the Prince of Wales’s.

“And for the Queen Anne it is probably not the strongest renewal so a straight mile for him will suit.”