Ascot Gold Cup News: Rock ready to roll

Can Saddler's Rock land the Gold Cup?

John Oxx reports Saddler's Rock to be in top condition ahead of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on Thursday week...

The Currabeg trainer was pleased he decided no to run his classy stayer in the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown on Friday even though it means going for Group One honours without the benefit of a prep run.

However, Saddler's Rock, who was third in the Ascot showpiece 12 months ago, did at least run twice in Dubai in March.

"He's in good form. He got off to a great start to the year with six weeks in Dubai. He loves the sunshine and the ground. He doesn't like working when it's soft," Oxx told At The Races.

"He was in great shape over there but in the race the saddle slipped which was a disaster as he was in the form of his life.

"He's been in good shape since. We didn't run him in the Saval Beg on Friday. It was just as well as it was a gruelling race with a fast pace, a hot day and 13 days before the Gold Cup so it might not just have been an ideal prep for him so I'm pleased he didn't run.

"We have to go there now without a recent run. Hopefully it will work out and he will run well. There was no pace and a sprint finish at Ascot last year.

"He's going well this year and is in better shape all round, so I'm hopeful he's going to have a good summer."

Get open access to Timeform data for just 2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!