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Ian Williams considers Royal Ascot for London Prize

London Prize ridden by Tom O' Brien leads the field from the last flight before going on to win The Matchbook Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle Race run during
Image: London Prize pictured winning the Imperial Cup at Sandown

London Prize could make a swift return to action at Royal Ascot next week following his runaway success at Goodwood on Sunday.

The Ian Williams-trained six-year-old won twice from seven starts over hurdles during the last National Hunt campaign, including a big-race victory in the Imperial Cup at Sandown.

He reverted to the Flat on the Sussex Downs over the weekend and could not have been more impressive in putting his rivals to the sword by upwards of eight lengths.

Williams said: "He's come out of the race well and I'd like to go to Royal Ascot for the two-and-a-half-mile handicap (Ascot Stakes, Tuesday).

"Unfortunately, I think he's unlikely to get in, even with the 3lb penalty he would shoulder.

"He has plenty of options. He's unlikely to make the cut for the Northumberland Plate, but he'd be on a nice mark for the consolation race and he has run well around there (Newcastle) before.

"Do I enter him for the Queen Alexandra Stakes on the Saturday at Royal Ascot? I'm not sure. I'll have to discuss it with the owners.

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"I think his spell over hurdles taught him a good bit about racing.

"He's a lovely, big, strong horse and I was surprised by the manner of his victory at Goodwood.

"He left a very good impression on me, like he did a lot of other people.

"He will need to step forward again from here. He has the physique to do so, the question is whether he has the natural ability."

Whether London Prize lines up in Berkshire next week or not, Williams is set to be represented at the showpiece fixture.

"Wolfcatcher is another horse in contention for the Ascot Stakes. He had a good prep race around Worcester," the trainer added.

"Speedo Boy will probably head to the Hampton Court Stakes after splitting those two decent horses (Permian and Khalidi) at the Rowley Mile last time out.

"He's come out of that race well. The owners would like to run at Royal Ascot and that is where the plan is to go.

"We have got a good team of Flat horses and they keep performing well for us."

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