AMERICAN trainer Gary Contessa has talked up his chances of Royal Ascot glory by describing his Manhattan Dan as ‘the best sprinter out there.’

Contessa’s three-year-old star will make his first appearance at the Berkshire track this summer after showing excellent form in the US.

Successive victories this year including in the Fisher Island Handicap on Friday at Gulfstream Park saw Contessa test Manhattan Dan over longer distances with a view to targeting the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on June 17.

Contessa said: “We know what he is and we know what his limitations are, and let’s try to make him the best sprinter out there.

“So that’s the road we’ve taken this year, and so far we’re 100 per cent right. I know you get to England and it’s a whole different ball game, but it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to beat him going six furlongs.

“That’ll be his next start, we do want to try Royal Ascot. That’s the game plan for him. The race is there and we think we have the best sprinter out there.”

Manhattan Dan has not always travelled well even in America, so there are fears over shipping him to the UK. But Contessa is confident it won’t be a problem, saying: “I will try to get him there three or four weeks in advance because I know he’s not the greatest shipper in the world. That will give him plenty of time to recover and get on the straight and narrow.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I’ve never been to Royal Ascot. Top hat and tails, that’ll be right up my alley. I’m looking forward to it.”

Entries for Royal Ascot’s eight Group One races close on April 19. The festival runs from June 14-18 and tickets are available from www.ascot.co.uk