Starspangledbanner filly Anthem Alexander booked another visit to Royal Ascot after winning the G3 Lacken Stakes (1200m) at Naas on Sunday.

Making her seasonal return for jockey Pat Smullen and trainer Eddie Lynam, she eased from 6/4 to 5/2 but the result was never in doubt once she challenged pacemaker The Happy Prince (Rip Van Winkle) at the furlong.

“I’m relieved more than anything knowing she has trained on,” Lynam said.  “That run will do her the world of good.  I think the world of her and that was a good trial.”

Anthem Alexander won the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last year and Lynam has several options this time including the G1 Kings Stand Stakes (1000m) on Tuesday, June 16 or the G1 Commonwealth Cup (1200m) on Friday, June 19.

“If I have my way she will go for the Commonwealth but she’s also entered in the Kings Stand and the other option is to run in both,” Lynam declared.  “We know she wants good or firm ground so let’s hope we are lucky with the weather at Ascot.”

Bookmakers rate the filly a $17 chance in the Kings Stand and she has been priced at $9, against three year-olds, in the Commonwealth Cup.  She also holds an entry for the G1 July Cup at Newmarket next month.

“I wouldn’t mind having a few more by Starspangledbanner,” Lynam admitted.  “He’s a fantastic stallion.”

Anthem Alexander is a homebred for Noel O’Callaghan who operates Mountarmstrong Stud in Ireland.  Her dam Lady Alexander (Night Shift) won a G3 Molecomb Stakes and she also foaled leading sire Dandy Man.

Starspangledbanner (Choisir) will stand for a $44,000 (inc gst) fee at Rosemont Stud in 2015.

ANTHEM ALEXANDER