Eustace is considering the Wolferton option for Docklands

Harry Eustace is contemplating entering the Queen Anne Stakes instead of stepping Docklands up to 10 furlongs at Royal Ascot.

He finished a creditable third in the Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day, off a 10lb heavier mark, after winning the Royal Hunt Cup the previous season.

Though Eustace believes there would be more value in running in the Wolferton Stakes at a mile and a quarter rather than going for the gold in the Queen Anne, he has been barely defeated this season in two Listed races over a mile, most recently in France.

“He ran super. Obviously, it is quite frustrating as we feel like he should have won. I haven’t decided where he goes yet,” said Eustace. “I’ve always wanted to try the Wolferton, but Hayley (Turner) wasn’t so sure after France about the 10 furlongs, but I feel like he had to make a big effort on tough ground to get to the winner. If he was smuggled into it over a mile and a quarter, which you could do on the sharp, round track at Ascot, he’s then got that turn of foot. I would rather do that but Audience winning the Lockinge has thrown Queen Anne wide open. I just feel like he has to have won a Listed race to go for a Group One but we’ll see, the owners (OTI Racing) are very sporting.”