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| Royal Ascot News 2012 |
Joy And Fun in King Stand Stakes
15/06/12
Derek Cruz is hopeful that nine-year-old Joy And Fun can fly the flag for Hong Kong in Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot although the trainer admits the recent rain could prove a concern.
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"My horse likes a firm track or good to firm but I think he will handle ground that is yielding or just a bit on the soft side," said Cruz. "He seems to be striding out well in his work and has acclimatised well to Europe.
"He was very unlucky on his last start in Dubai when he half missed the start, hopefully it will be a closer race on Tuesday, when Brett Doyle will ride him.
"I think Ortensia is again the one to beat, but if mine runs up to his normal races then he should be in the firing line.
"We are staying away from Black Caviar by going for the King's Stand and I like to take it one race at a time with him but the Darley July Cup at Newmarket could be on his agenda."
The ground is currently Good to Soft on the Straight Course, Good to Soft, Soft in places on the Round Course. There is an unsettled forecast for the end of the week with some potential improvement for next week, although it is too early to be definitive. Racing is not under any threat at this stage and we would be confident that there will be no issues unless there is a significant change in the forecast.
