Thomas Hobson leads the Mullins team in stamina-sapping finale

5.35 Royal Ascot
Queen Alexandra Stakes | 4yo+ | 2m5½f | ITV4/RUK

Willie Mullins will be bidding for his second winner of Royal Ascot 2018 and a seventh overall victory at the fixture when he runs Thomas Hobson, Renneti and Meri Devie in the traditional final event of the meeting.

Thomas Hobson has contributed to Mullins' Royal Ascot success, winning the Ascot Stakes a year ago before finishing second to Oriental Fox in this event four days later.

The eight-year-old has not run since finishing sixth in the Melbourne Cup in November, and speaking yesterday Mullins, who won today's marathon contest with Simenon in 2012 and Pique Sous in 2014, said: "He had a good break after his trip to Australia and is in good form. We know he likes Ascot and the ground and trip will suit him well."

Ryan Moore, who won on Pique Sous and Simenon, partners Thomas Hobson

Of his other two contenders, Mullins said: "Renneti's recent form hasn't been good. It's hard to find suitable races for him and we'll have to see how he handles the trip. He would probably prefer some ease in the ground.

"I thought Meri Devie ran better in the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday than her finishing position would suggest. She seems to have come out of the race well and the longer trip will suit her."

Andrea Atzeni, who won the Ascot Stakes for Mullins on Lagostovegas on Tuesday, rides Renneti while Christophe Soumillon partners Meri Devie.

What they say

Hughie Morrison, trainer of Fun Mac and Nearly Caught
They could do without their penalties when up against the Mullins battalions, so I should think if they run fourth and fifth they'll have run to their best. But the form of Fun Mac's Chester Cup second is exceptional, and Nearly Caught was first past the post in a Group 2 last time. They're both in great order.

George Baker, trainer of Guard Of Honour
He was sixth last year, running way above his mark, and so the race brings out the best in him.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Pallasator
He's in good old form and will like the ground. The trip shouldn't be a problem and if gets the run of the race he should go well.

Andrew Balding, trainer of Count Octave
He was second to Stradivarius in the Queen's Vase last year and has a good chance on form. There's a bit of a question mark over the trip but I hope he'll go close.

John Gosden, trainer of Glencadam Glory
He enjoys a trip so we've given him one! He should stay very well but so will plenty of others.

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