Diligent Harry is focused on Ascot following his near-miss in York

After his painful near-miss in the 1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes, Clive Cox is eager to travel to Royal Ascot with Diligent Harry.

The six-year-old is a part of the furniture at Cox's Beechwood Stables and has been better than ever this season. He won twice on his favourite all-weather course earlier in the year and then finished third in Meydan's Al Quoz Sprint on the eve of the Dubai World Cup, demonstrating his ability to compete with the best sprinters in the world.

When the gelding was narrowly defeated at York last week, it appeared as though he could finally break through on turf. However, Cox is encouraged by the gelding's recent performance and is getting ready to return to the minimum trip for the King Charles III Stakes on the first day of the Royal meeting.

“He was so near and yet so far and didn’t do a whole lot wrong,” said Cox. “It was probably a career-best and I’m pleased to say he has come out of the race well. We are very much looking forward to the King Charles III at Royal Ascot and that would be our preferred trip on a stiffer track at Ascot. He’s very versatile and I’m so proud he’s holding his form so well at the highest level. I think it was his best effort yet at York and we’re looking forward to Ascot.”