Addeybb in strong form for Ascot run
Addeybb enjoyed an exceptional spring in Australia and he brings plenty of momentum into the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, the feature event on day two at Royal Ascot.
Japan is almost certain to go off at very skinny odds in the Group One contest - but while he has obvious claims, Addeybb has proved himself to be no slouch at all during his Antipodean adventures.
The six-year-old has made huge strides since winning the Lincoln two years ago off a perch of 99 and he now sits on a rating of 122 - the equal of Japan - after striking twice at the highest level in Australia.
William Haggas' bold decision to head to Sydney proved an excellent move as Addeybb landed the Ranvet Stakes on his first start, rallying when headed to beat Verry Elleegant by half a length, before putting that same rival to the sword by nearly three lengths next time out in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
That second performance was very impressive, with Ad- deybb picking up the lead two furlongs out in the mile-anda-quarter contest before accelerating away to win eased down under Tom Marquand.
Many will question the value of the form, but you cannot possibly quibble with the manner of his victory, and it should not be forgotten Addeybb was beaten only three-quarters of a length by Magical on his final start in Britain last year.
The Pivotal gelding is certainly better with cut. But there is a mixed forecast leading up to the race, and he has the advantage of a racing edge over a couple of his rivals here.
Russian Emperor is another with the benefit of a run under his belt - and while turning out again just over a week after his return might not be ideal, he should still be a force to be reckoned with in the Hampton Court Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien pitched this Galileo colt into the Derrinstown Derby Trial on the back of his maiden win at Naas in March, before racing was put on hold in Ireland.
The Ballydoyle handler was then quick out of the blocks when racing resumed - and while Russian Emperor's half-length defeat at the hands of stablemate Cormorant
was a disappointment for favourite backers, he endured a less than ideal trip.
Forced to challenge wide, he could not pick up the front runner, but his rider was far from hard on him in the finish - and Russian Emperor should have plenty more to give.
Hollie Doyle can chalk up yet another landmark with
victory aboard Mighty Gurkha in the Windsor Castle Stakes.
Gay Kelleway and Hayley
Turner are the only female riders to claim Royal Ascot glory so far, but Doyle can add her name to that list.