3 minute read

The Robert Cowell-trained Outback Traveller bids to become the first horse since Selhurstpark Flyer (1997 and 1998) to win back-to-back renewals of the ultra-competitive Wokingham Handicap (5.00pm).

A head winner in last year's contest, the six-year-old son of Bushranger was 11th, beaten five lengths, in the Victoria Cup on his seasonal reappearance over seven furlongs at Ascot and Cowell is hopeful of another big performance from the gelding at the Royal Meeting dropped back to six furlongs.

The Newmarket handler said: "It was a fantastic Royal Ascot for us last year with him and Prince Of Lir [G2 Norfolk Stakes] both winning.

"Outback Traveller moves so well in his races and travels like a seriously good horse.

"He doesn't want to be hitting the front too soon as he tends to idle in front a little bit.

"We kind of lost him a little bit after Royal Ascot last year, but he's got a turn of foot for a furlong really so we have to use that at the critical stage.

"We've had four winners at Royal Ascot now [also Prohibit 2011 and Goldream 2015 G1 King's Stand Stakes], so we are going back again and we'll see how we get on."

Outback Traveller drawn 23, is a general 9/1 shot for today's contest.