Australian sprinter Nicconi was not disgraced when finishing a fourth in the G1 Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.  The Lindsay Park galloper worked home nicely in the 1000m sprint to be beaten two lengths by Equiano.

Recent renewals of the Kings Stand have been dominated by the Australians with Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Scenic Blast all winning since 2003.  “I was surprised he struggled to keep up because he’s normally brilliant when fresh,” trainer David Hayes said.  “I think his sectionals over the last 400m would be the best in the race.”

Nicconi (Bianconi) is slated to start his stud career at Widden later this year.  “I would say that he’s probably run his last race,” Hayes added.  “I doubt we will keep going for the July Cup.’”

The Gary Portelli trained sprinter Gold Trail raced below his best and finished a long way from the winner.  The G1 NZ Railway Stakes winner was among the leading division in the early stages but was beaten before the furlong pole.

Australian-bred horses could still make an impact during the remainder of Royal Ascot week.  Nominations for this Saturday’s Golden Jubilee include Starspangledbanner (Choisir), Alverta (Flying Spur), Happy Zero (Danzero), War Artist (Orpen) and Fravashi (Falbrav).