Racing: Angel and Valentine are ready for Wince

THREE WINNERS of 1,000 Guineas are likely to confront each other in next Wednesday's Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Henry Cecil-trained Newmarket 1,000 Guineas winner Wince is joined by John Gosden's Valentine Waltz, who took the French equivalent, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, and Hula Angel, successful in the Irish version for Barry Hills.

Wannabe Grand and Golden Silca, runners-up at Newmarket and the Curragh respectively, are also in the line-up for the Group One contest along with Godolphin's pair Fairy Queen and Pescara.

Alan Jarvis, who had provided Gary Stevens with his most recent winner before yesterday, Duke Of Aston at Goodwood nine days ago, again supplied the American with a successful ride as Keep Tapping took the opening maiden race at Sandown yesterday.

Always in the first two for the five-furlong sprint, the Mac's Imp bay held a definite lead before half-way and held off the challenge of the 11-4 joint-favourite Kareeb, whose chances were not helped by running green, by two and a half lengths. Firepower was a further half-length away in third.

Three of Stevens' four victories since he decided to settle in Britain have been at Esher. Asked if Sandown was his favourite racecourse, he returned: "So far."