Trueshan declared to return for Sagaro at Ascot but Alan King thinks a ‘personal best’ is needed.

The popular Alan King-trained eight-year-old has had a successful career in big staying races since 2021. He recently won a second Group 1 Prix du Cadran at Longchamp and has a record of 15 wins out of 26 races, with prize-money totaling £1.82 million.

Trueshan will be competing in a Group 3 race alongside last season’s Goodwood Cup winner Quickthorn and Gold Cup runner-up Coltrane. The trainer mentioned that Trueshan will likely need to achieve a personal best in the upcoming race, as he is rated below Quickthorn and Coltrane and will have to give them seven pounds.

However, King expressed confidence in Trueshan’s form and the favorable forecast for the race. In the previous season, Trueshan finished fourth in the Sagaro before securing victories in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup and a second Cadran following a breathing operation.

King revealed that they have recently addressed Trueshan’s wind, indicating that it is standard practice for many horses and was necessary for him. He also noted that Trueshan is in top form and performing exceptionally well in training.

In addition to Quickthorn and Coltrane, Trueshan will be facing competition from Ebor and Doncaster Cup runner-up Sweet William and Group 3 winner Caius Chorister.