RACING: Azamour will try to secure the second Royal triumph of his career in next week's Prince Of Wales Stakes as the Irish team for Royal Ascot at York starts to take shape.

It was in last year's St James's Palace Stakes that Azamour graduated to Group One-winning standard, and his trainer, John Oxx, yesterday reported him on course for the second start of his four-year-old season.

"He has tightened up a bit for his run in the Tattersalls Gold Cup but he was pretty fit for that race at the Curragh. Still, I would expect him to be a little bit sharper for it," the Curragh trainer said.

Oxx has an enviable record at the prestigious meeting, but he could have a lighter team than usual for this unique meeting which will be run at York while building work continues at Ascot.

"We've had a bit of coughing in the yard which makes things less certain. At this stage Beautyandthebeast in the Sandringham Handicap on the Wednesday looks our only other runner," he added.

David Wachman intends running both his star fillies, Damson and Luas Line, in the Coronation Stakes on the Friday.

"Luas Line will get an entry in the Jersey Stakes over seven furlongs, but at this stage the plan is to run both in the Coronation," he said yesterday.

Wachman also had news of his Epsom Derby fourth Fracas, who could take up the challenge of the Irish Derby later this month.

"He has come out of the race okay and it's possible we could go to the Curragh with him next. But there are plenty of options," he said.

Last year's champion Irish two-year-old Ad Valorem has been something of a forgotten star among Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle team, but the trainer has a number of York entries as well as an entry in tomorrow night's Group Three Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown.

That seven-furlong race is a target for the Irish Guineas third Democratic Deficit, who could also be part of Jim Bolger's team at York.

One horse that won't be travelling next week is the Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Saoire, who will bypass the Coronation in favour of a tilt at the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh. Afterwards, the Frances Crowley-trained filly will attempt a classic double in the Irish Oaks.

Tralee passed an inspection yesterday afternoon following the abandonment of yesterday's meeting due to waterlogging, and that will be good news for the Sir Frederick team in this evening's maiden hurdle.

The five-year-old was expected to run well at Ballinrobe on his last start but only got as far as the first obstacle where he was badly hampered and unseated his rider.

A repeat of his second to Father Matt at Cork before that would see him with a big chance here.

Dalwich has some ground to make up on Stone Arch on Fairyhouse running in the seven-furlong handicap, but should have come on for that race and is 4lb better in.