Fernandez has Cup look

THE decision to drop LOPE Y FERNANDEZ (3.35, treble) in distance can pay off in today’s Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Despite not lasting out the mile in last Friday’s Irish 2,000 Guineas, Aidan O’Brien’s colt still managed to finish a respectable third behind Siskin.

Last season he posted some solid efforts in Group company over six and seven furlongs, notably when second behind Pinatubo at Royal Ascot last year.

Pierre Lapin, unbeaten in his two races, has been flying on the Newmarket gallops and connections are not short of confidence.

ELARQAM (3.00, nap) will be difficult to catch if repeating his latest running when failing by a short head to peg back Lord North, winner of Wednesday’s Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, at Haydock.

Last year’s Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck put in his best effort since Epsom, when runner-up to Ghaiyyath at Newmarket two weeks ago.

But Fanny Logan is a better shout for the forecast and each-way value.

She was given too much to do when second behind Manuela De Vega at Haydock 12 days ago.

ART POWER (1.15) can make it a celebration for the north by taking the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap.

Trained by Tim Easterby in Yorkshire, the colt improves with every outing and there is more to come.

EYE OF HEAVEN (2.25, nb) beat Tactical, who won for the Queen on Wednesday, into third place at Newmarket at the beginning of the month.

William Haggas is not short of confidence regarding BORN WITH PRIDE (4.10) in the Queen’s Vase despite a poor recent run.

Her previous outing was a cast-iron performance – beating Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Peaceful at Newmarket in November.

Andrew Balding has found the perfect contest for GOOD BIRTHDAY (4.40).

The gelding’s third behind Lord North in the Cambridgeshire has since been enhanced.