Further close calls at Royal Ascot - Now it's time for the fillies

The David Brown-trained Mind Of Madness finished second under Ryan Moore in today's opening contest, the Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes, then Captain Morley finished third in partnership with Jamie Spencer when they tackled the King George V Handicap.

These two good efforts followed several other places for horses owned by Qatar Racing during the first two days, and Sheikh Fahad (pictured below) said: "It's frustrating, but it shows the horses are running well and we're very hopeful going into tomorrow.

"Every horse has run to its merit this week. I am happy if the horses keep performing and I am very hopeful for the remaining two days."

Qatar Racing will be represented by three runners at the Royal Meeting tomorrow, when Peace And War (Jamie Spencer) runs in the opening Gr.3 Albany Stakes (2.30), followed by Kiyoshi (Spencer) andLightning Thunder (Olivier Peslier) in the Gr.1 Coronation Stakes (4.25).

The Olly Stevens-trained Peace And War, a two-year-old daughter of War Front, won at Lingfield in late May on her racing debut, and tomorrow bids to match the Charlie Hills-trained Kiyoshi, who won the Albany Stakes last year. Kiyoshi was subsequently placed in two Group One races, but has not run yet this season, while Lightning Thunder, who is trained by Stevens, has recently finished second in both the QIPCO 1000 Guineas and Irish 1000 Guineas.

If the two Coronation Stakes runners produce their best form they can be expected to go close, and, following the near misses encountered by the team this week, Sheikh Fahad said: "I hope the fillies are not feeling the pressure. I'm hopeful - I believe we have the best two horses in the race."