Teal relishing Royal Ascot rematch for Dancing Gemini

Roger Teal is game for the Queen Anne Stakes rematch with Dancing Gemini after his narrow loss in the Lockinge on Saturday.

The four-year-old was the 2-1 favourite after a superb campaign so far this season, with his reappearance a straightforward success in the Listed Doncaster Mile and his next run a Group Two victory in the bet365 Mile at Sandown.

Rosallion, triumphant in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes last year, was considered his main rival, but it was Lead Artist – who was last of eight behind Teal’s runner at Sandown – who came to the fore to prevail by a neck.

Dancing Gemini still ran a fine race in second as Rosallion came home two and a quarter lengths back in third, and it looks probable the trio will meet again for another clash in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“He’s taken it very well, there’s not a bother on him. He’s eaten up and is fresh and well,” Teal said of his colt.

“He lost nothing in defeat, really, just prize money! It was a fantastic run.

“I can’t help but feel a little bit gutted to get beaten by so small a margin, but hopefully he’ll have his day soon enough.

“It’ll be straight to Ascot for us, straight to the rematch in the Queen Anne.”

Dancing Gemini’s fortunes have mirrored those of last year’s crack miler Charyn thus far, with the grey winning both events at Doncaster and Sandown before narrowly missing out at Newbury.

Charyn then turned the tables and emerged victorious at the Royal meeting, something Teal is hoping can happen to his son of Camelot next month.

“The pattern has stayed the same so far, I had hoped he wouldn’t copy Charyn so literally!” he said.

“It bodes well and we hope we can go and get our revenge. He’s very, very smart and I’m sure he’s going to have his day.”