Quest has ideal opening

Tom Queally believes Jacqueline Quest will benefit from a drop in class in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood on Friday.

The Group Three contest will see the 1,000 Guineas 'winner' revert to seven furlongs after she finished third in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

The filly, who was disqualified after beating Special Duty by a nose at Newmarket, faces nine opponents at the Sussex track and Queally is looking forward to being re-united with her.

"I can't wait to get back on Jacqueline Quest in the Oak Tree Stakes," he said.

"She takes a drop in grade and has an easier opportunity at Group Three level to get her head in front.

"You want horses to enjoy racing and not have hard races all the time, and Henry is an expert at restoring horses' confidence and enjoyment or racing, as you've seen with the likes of Twice Over and Lord Shanakill.

"Jacqueline Quest obviously ran a terrific race in the 1000 Guineas and another good race when third in the Coronation Stakes.

"She's really pleased me on the gallops recently and a repeat of her form from Newmarket and Ascot would make her very hard to beat."

Puff, who took the Fred Darling Stakes over seven furlongs back in April, reverts to that trip after being well beaten in the Coronation Stakes.

"This seven-furlong race is the ideal option for her. It's just a question of whether she handles the track or not," said trainer Ralph Beckett.

"She's in good nick and I hope she's back to her Fred Darling form."

Bryan Smart is praying the going will be suitable for Summer Fete as she bids for successive wins in the race on her first outing of the campaign.

"It's her first run of the year and I'm hoping the ground is going to be half-decent for her," said Smart.

"There's been nothing wrong with her. She's just ground dependent, but she's in good order with herself."