Al Qareem Ready for Cumberland Lodge Stakes Defence at Ascot

Al Qareem is "all systems go" for his title defence in the BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, with connections eager to capitalise on his strong form during this time of year.

The five-year-old, trained by Karl Burke, secured his first win of the season by retaining Chester's Stand Cup last month after several solid performances earlier in the year. Now, he aims to replicate last year's success, where he defeated Bluestocking at Chester before triumphing over Israr in Ascot's Group Three contest.

Nick Bradley, managing director of Nick Bradley Racing, said, "He's a definite runner and came out of his last race at Chester very well. We had the option of Newmarket, but we opted for Ascot, followed by the Prix Royal-Oak. It's all systems go."

Bradley believes Al Qareem thrives at this time of year and is well-suited to the expected ground conditions. He also acknowledged potential challenges from William Haggas' entries, Al Aasy and Hamish, but remains optimistic.

In addition, Bradley is confident of further success for Sophia’s Starlight, who claimed a determined handicap victory at Newmarket last week. The Grant Tuer-trained filly will target the Boadicea Stakes at Newmarket on October 12, where she finished second last year, before potentially heading to France for a group race.

"She’s in great form and has come out of her Newmarket run well," Bradley added. "She’ll aim for Newmarket and possibly head to France afterwards. She needs soft ground, and we’re hopeful she’ll secure a stakes win before the season ends."