Top of Hanagan’s Royal Ascot wishlist is a win for Sands Of Mali in the Commonwealth Cup and, considering the likes of the aforementioned Muhaarar and Taghrooda, as well as five-length July Cup winner Mayson, the following statement is a big one.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve ridden some very good horses in my career and I’d have to put Sands Of Mali right up there with the best of them. I’m really looking forward to him. I think he’s got a massive chance.

“We were delighted when he won the Sandy Lane at Haydock. I don’t think the winning distance tells the whole story, I think he was just getting a little bit lonely in front, he was out there for a long time.

“I don’t think there’s been anything to lead us yet, he’s so quick out of the gates and he gets into that big long stride of his. We’re hoping that something can just give us a bit more of a lead. We’re hoping they go very quick at Ascot.”

They usually do. And such a scenario wouldn’t be a bad thing for Kodyanna, either, Saturday’s Hilary Needler winner, also owned by the Cool Silk partnership.

She could go to the Albany Stakes, over six furlongs, or the Queen Mary, over five. Her dam, Jadanna, went to the Queen Mary, where she was fifth, while her half-sister, Darkanna, also went to the Queen Mary, last year’s, where she was seventh. The Queen Mary looks favourite, then, especially as she’s showing plenty of zip at home.