Yoshida can confirm he's a 'top quality horse' at Royal Ascot

The American-trained Yoshida was the three-quarter length winner of the Greade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic at Churchill Downs on May 5, and the Japanese-bred 4-year-old heads for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over the straight mile Tuesday at Royal Ascot.

Riley Mott, son and assistant trainer to father Bill, reported that “Yoshida's in great form. He traveled over nicely and has settled in really well at Newmarket at Abington (Place Stables). His appetite has been good and we're very happy.

“Yoshida has taken a step forward from his win at Churchill Downs and I think that victory gave us the confidence to come over here and give it a shot.

“The straight mile is an unknown here, but I can't see it hurting our chances. We're bringing over a strong horse with a high level of fitness so hopefully the straight mile can play to our strengths.

“We've always thought he was top quality horse. He identified himself early on as a top talent, so it's been nice to see him progress over time and we're looking forward to seeing him progress again at Royal Ascot.

“His two best races have been on soft ground. His last race at Churchill Downs was on heavy ground, but he has also won on firm ground, so I think he is a horse who is pretty versatile. It takes a great horse to adapt to certain situations and this horse is one.

“We also think he is pretty versatile as regards to both the trip and where he can be positioned in his races.

“You don't want to be too bullish in these contests and you have to respect the opposition, but we're delighted with Yoshida.

“He traveled over really well and he is giving us a lot of hope with his well-being and confidence, so we're keen to take a stab at the contest.

“Winning at Royal Ascot would be right up there with some of the top winners our operation has had.”