Royal Meeting, who was last seen when beating dual Guineas heroine Hermosa, is on target to return to action for the second half of the season.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained colt won both his races at two, but a problem earlier in the year ruled him out of the Classics.

He had Aidan O’Brien’s top-class filly behind him in the Group 1 Criterium International at Chantilly in October, so his return is hugely anticipated given what she has achieved this spring.

“He had a bit of a setback, but he’s back in training now,” said Bin Suroor.

“Physically he looks really well and I’m very happy with him, we’re looking at getting him back for the second half of the season. Hopefully we can look at running him by the end of July. I’m looking forward to the future with him as obviously he’s a class horse. He’ll be at his best over a mile or 10 furlongs. He beat Hermosa and she’s very good, so we’re looking forward to getting him back. We’ll just have to see about Goodwood (holds an entry in the Sussex Stakes), if he’s ready or not, it could be an option for him.”

Royal Marine was another Group 1 winner in France for the trainer last season, but after running respectably in the Craven Stakes on his return, he disappointed in the 2000 Guineas.

“Royal Marine was very disappointing in the Guineas, so I have given him a little break for a week,” said Bin Suroor. He’s back in work now. There was nothing wrong with him, but he hadn’t been showing me as much in the mornings as he was last year. Hopefully the break will do him good and when he’s back in form we’ll find a race for him.”

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