Pottinger's pride and joy ready to turn back clock

The remarkable 13-year-old hung on by a short head after making virtually all the running in this Listed race 12 months ago, before landing an emotional victory in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding has not been seen on a racecourse since finishing a creditable fourth in the Goodwood Cup in July, but owner Piers Pottinger reports his pride and joy to be in fine form.

"It's a very competitive race. He's drawn 11 out of 11 and I'm not sure how good that is," said Pottinger. "We think it's the perfect prep race for Ascot and the Queen Alexandra there is our real goal.

"The ground should suit him if it doesn't rain and he's in very good form.

"He does seem to be in tip-top form. Unfortunately because there are so many meetings on Saturday, we couldn't get Eddie Ahern who normally rides, so we've got David Allan.

"Dale Gibson, who won on him at York last year, has been incredibly helpful and has been talking to David and been a bit of a mentor.

"He's been off for quite a while. Everything's been fine, he doesn't owe me anything".

Marcus Tregoning warns he will only run Aajel if he considers the ground to be safe.

The six-year-old grey made a pleasing reappearance at Ascot when runner-up to Illustrious Blue in the Sagaro Stakes last month in what was only his second race in more than two and a half years.

"It was a very good run at Ascot and he's a progressive type, but it's a very hot race. I just hope he runs well," said Tregoning.

Munsef goes to the Knavesmire on the back of a good third to Harbinger in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester.

That was his first outing since his long haul to Australia for the Melbourne Cup, in which he was only beaten six-and-a-half lengths in 12th.

"We were delighted with Munsef's comeback race at Chester after he had been out in Australia," said trainer Ian Williams. "He has come in his coat now which he hadn't at Chester and is in good form with the benefit of a run under his belt.

"At York, he will appreciate the ground, as he will the trip. He has a lot going for him in what is quite an open and competitive event."

Robin Bastiman reports stable star Borderlescott to be "spot on" ahead of today's betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock.

The eight-year-old has finished second in the last two runnings of this Group Two, and Bastiman is wary of Equiano from the Barry Hills yard, who beat Borderlescott recently.

TODAY'S BEST

DUKE'S DOUBLE

Azimuth (8.00 Lingfield), nap and Numeral (3.50 Goodwood).

DUKE'S TREBLE

Azimuth, Numeral and Sirocco Breeze (2.35 York).

JULIUS'S DOUBLE

Harrison George (2.35 York), nap and Ziggy Lee (3.40 York).

FORMNAP

Kingsgate Native (3.00 Haydock).