ROYAL Ascot clues were plentiful at Haydock last Saturday with El Caballo and King’s Lynn promoting their claims for the Commonwealth Cup and King’s Stand Stakes respectively.

King’s Lynn (115) clocked the fastest time when adjusted for distance in the five-furlong Group 2 Temple Stakes, which also comprised the fastest finishing sectional.

The winner secured first run on Twilight Calls (115) which proved decisive in the finish as there was just a diminishing head between the pair at the line. The winner finished his race in 34.15secs compared to the runner-up’s split of 34.14secs to confirm they are of similar ability.

Aricebo (112) finished well clear of those who he tracked in finishing third and adds further weight to the form appearing top class.

The Andrew Balding-trained gelding ran twice at the Royal meeting last year, performing better on soft ground on the second start in the Wokingham Handicap.

Similar ground on the opening day of next month’s Royal meeting would see him with an each-way chance in the King’s Stand Stakes. Twilight Calls would represent the same each-way value on fast ground.

El Caballo’s (109) victory in the Sandy Lane was hard fought with the closing sectionals confirming the finish to be slow and the difference between the two races when adjusted for distance.

The son of Havana Gold covered the concluding three furlongs in 35.87secs, which proved to be slower than Lil Guff, who stopped the clock at 35.26secs in the 0-75 handicap, albeit in a much slower overall time.

If the Commonwealth Cup becomes a test of stamina it will take a resolute colt to outbattle Karl Burke’s rapidly improving three-year-old.

I would have my reservations about Flaming Rib (108) at Ascot but would keep him onside to land a group contest when the emphasis is on speed.

Go Bears Go (102+) can be forgiven this run as he stumbled badly leaving the stalls and was always playing catch up in the face of the strong early speed.

Realm

Third Realm (105+) built on his Ascot reappearance with an impressive win in the Listed Tapster Stakes at Goodwood with Andrea Atzeni merely having to change his hands to secure victory.

However, this represents a drop in grade from the heights he has operated at in the past so I will still need some convincing he is the horse who beat Adayar in the Lingfield Derby Trial. Soft ground appears to be essential to the son of Sea The Stars.

The best comparison race on the card was the handicap won by Inchicore (105) who clocked an identical time-figure when adjusted for distance as well posting a concluding sectional just .09secs slower.

Alan King’s mare was determined in the finish to take her record on ground with soft in the ground description to three wins from six starts.

Surrey Gold (104) and Secret Shadow (104), who travelled best, are also worth a tracker entry and close inspection when there is cut in the ground.

Royal Scotsman (95+), 20th May, Goodwood – impressive winner who had learnt plenty from debut

Sense Of Duty (104+), 20th May, Haydock – beat proven Group performer on first start in listed company

My Prospero (113+), 19th May, Sandown – posted by far and away the fastest time figure and closing sectionals on the card

Bradsell (95+), 21st May, York – the time figure matched to the winning distance

Whoputfiftyinyou (108+), 21st May, Haydock – overcame not handling the bend to post a fast-finishing sectional