Serpentine set to face Stradivarius

Last year's Derby winner Serpentine has been supplemented to face Stradivarius in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot next week. 

Aidan O'Brien's charge made a name for himself at Epsom last year, when he romped to Derby success at odds of 25/1. 

He has not won since, despite trips to Longchamp and Ascot in 2020, while he made his seasonal reappearance at the Curragh last month. 

The four-year-old finished seventh in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May, and connections have now paid the £30,000 to add him to the field for Thursday's race. 

Gosden eyes Royal Ascot history

Trainer John Gosden says it would be incredible to see Stradivarius win next week as he tries to secure a record-equalling fourth Gold Cup. 

The seven-year-old will join Yeats as the most successful in the history of the feature race of the meeting if he lands the spoils next week. 

He beat Ocean Wind the Sagaro Stakes on his return to action at the end of April, and Gosden says he is in fine form at home. 

The legendary trainer told reporters: "It would be extraordinary (if he won again) but is even more so because he's a full horse. 

"He's not a gelding, and they seem to be able to race on a lot longer without the distractions of life. Frankie gave him a little canter this morning, and it all went smoothly." 

Botti hoping Atalis Bay can shine at Sandown

Trainer Marco Botti believes Atalis Bay will run a big race in the Scurry Stakes at Sandown on Saturday after connections decided to bypass Royal Ascot. 

The three-year-old has won four of his eight races so far, but he was unable to overcome Winter Power at York last time out. 

Winter Power is now one of the leading candidates for the King's Stand, and Botti says he and his team have learned plenty from that performance. 

Rather than complicate matters, the Newmarket trainer says Sandown offers the perfect opportunity to grab another win. 

"He seems well - we're coming here instead of Royal Ascot, and he seems in good order," he told reporters. 

"This race is perfect for three-year-olds who need five furlongs. The option at Ascot for him was the Palace of Holyrood House - but that would be a big field handicap, and he'd be almost top weight, he'd likely be giving weight to some nice horses. 

"So, we thought we'd keep it simple and stick to what we know." 

O'Meara has one eye on the Ebor

David O'Meara heads to York on Saturday for The Ebor Grand Cup Stakes, and he believes stable star Makwaee can add to his tally of wins. 

The six-year-old has caught the eye at Goodwood and York so far this season, and he returns to North Yorkshire for another run on the Knavesmire. 

O'Meara's charge will receive weight from the other three runners in the race, and if he can produce another injury-free run, then the Ebor in August is the next step.