Estimate to return in Ascot Gold Cup; Dank could try Prince of Wales's

Sir Michael Stoute has trained The Queen's Estimate to win at two successive

Royal Ascots, taking the Queen's Vase in 2012 and the Gold Cup last year. The

Newmarket trainer hopes that the daughter of Monsun can make it three straight

Royal meeting wins with a title defense in next Thursday's Group 1.

"The Gold Cup victory was so welcomed by the entire racing fraternity and by

all those who follow racing," Stoute said.

"Estimate is not straightforward -- it is a big team effort with her, from

the girl who does her to the girl that rides her, etc. The win last year was so

good for racing so it ranks very highly with me."

The five-year-old mare, successful on four of her eight starts, goes back to

Royal Ascot without a prep run.

"The preparation has not been easy because we have had problems," the trainer

explained. "There has been a muscle problem with her right hind, which is

why she has not had a preparatory run.

"So we are under pressure but there has been some good progress in the last

month. I think it is a very tough Gold Cup this year so it is a tough assignment

but I think we will run very well.

"I know that James Wigan (owner) prefers the Pretty Polly, but it would be

nice to have a crack at the Prince of Wales's Stakes. We will look at the

opposition. I think she would get her ground at Royal Ascot."

Abseil has been backed down to favorite for the Royal Hunt Cup on Wednesday,

but Sir Michael warned that the lightly-raced colt might not get in the field.

"Abseil is not certain to make the cut," the horseman said. "He has a

five-pound penalty for winning last weekend but he will be at the bottom of the

97s. I just hope he gets in because I think he has a great chance and the track

would suit him ideally.

"Telescope goes for the Hardwicke (Group 2 on Saturday, June 21). He has been

coming up against Noble Mission who has been a big improver this year and

obviously handles heavy ground well.

"Telescope will be better on a faster surface and he will have a good chance

in the Hardwicke.

"There is Integral as well in the Duke of Cambridge (Group 2 on Wednesday)

and Russian Realm in the seven-furlong handicap (Buckingham Palace) on the

Friday (June 20). We also have Radiator in the Sandringham (Handicap on

Wednesday).