The globetrotting Highland Reel has fought back after looking beaten to win the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot to his Group One record.
Third in the 2015 Cox Plate won by Winx, the Aidan O’Brien-trained star has been invited to compete in the race again this year.
But his next step will be a defence of next month’s King George V and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“He’s a brilliant horse and Ryan (Moore) gave him a brilliant ride,” O’Brien said.
“He’s unbelievable. He’s just an incredible horse – pace, courage, speed – he has everything.
“”He’s won’t stop, he’s so quick tactically and so brave. He stays a mile-and-a-half (2400m) well but won over seven furlongs (1400m) at two so he’s always had that pace.”
Sent out at 9-4, Highland Reel was headed by Ulysses and Decorated Knight but fought back brilliantly to win.
“He’ll come back here for the King George,” O’Brien said.
“That’s what we were thinking if he ran well today.”
Among Highland Reel’s six top level wins are the 2015 Hong Kong Vase and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita.
