Chapple-Hyam's Tariq can repel international challenge

There's no standing on ceremony at the start of Royal Ascot tomorrow with three Group 1 races kicking off proceedings and Tariq can repel an impressive overseas challenge to land the opening Queen Anne Stakes (2.30).

This curtain-raiser to five days of the finest thoroughbred action on the planet sees only four English-trained runners in the field of 11, thanks largely to Ascot officials who have worked tirelessly to bring in more international competition.

Tariq, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, won the Jersey Stakes over seven furlongs here in 2007 and, despite being a year older and racing over a furlong further, can provide the Newmarket trainer with a perfect start to the week.

The son of Kyllachy, who runs in the colours made famous by Authorized, proved every bit as good as last season when an unlucky third in a highly competitive Lockinge Stakes, coming from last place a furlong out on his seasonal reappearance.

Creachadoir was victorious on that occasion under a masterly stop-start ride by Frankie Dettori from the front which resulted in a sprint finish. Creachadoir is absent through injury tomorrow and a likely faster pace will play to Tariq's strengths.

Over the last decade Sir Michael Stoute and Saeed bin Suroor have monopolised this event winning it eight times between them, but Godolphin are without a runner while Stoute relies on Linngari.