NATION CAN FLY THE FLAG

SIOUX NATION has the ideal conditions for his attempt to repeat his Royal Ascot success of 12 months ago.

The ground was fast when he gained a 14-1 score in the five-furlong Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) for Aidan O’Brien (right) and Ryan Moore last June.

And Sioux Nation

proved himself at the highest level next time out, again relishing a quick playing surface to hold Beckford by half a length in the National Stakes over six furlongs at the Curragh in August.

The bay colt (above) underperformed on softer terrain when sixth in to stablemate US Navy Flag in the top-level Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket the following month, and on his return in Listed grade at Navan in April.

But his length-and-aquarter beating of fellow Fleet Ballydoyle inmate Review in the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas last time out was much more like it, and a dry week in Royal Berkshire is good news for Sioux Nation’s backers. In a fascinating renewal of the Commonwealth Cup, my selection’s market Equilateral, Sands Of rival Mali Unfortunately and are all capable of getting involved.