WATCH: The highest rated horse in the world, Hong Kong's Able Friend

Trainer John Moore announced it was all systems go for Able Friend’s Royal Ascot assault after the champion miler completed a crucial barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning.

Jockey Joao Moreira was aboard Able Friend in a 1,600m turf trial, specially scheduled by the Jockey Club to assist in the five-year-old’s preparation for the Queen Anne Stakes on June 16.

He is in need of one more blowout, but we still have plenty of time up our sleeve
John Moore

Moore said his charge was at around “85 to 90 per cent fit” two weeks out from the Group One on the first day of the Royal Ascot carnival.

“He had a good blow this morning, but I’m sure I can have him up to full fitness in England,” Moore said.

“I’m grateful the club put on the trial for me. His preparation is exactly the same as it has been for other big races. After the Champions Mile he was put on light work and then we started to get him tuned up for the biggest race of his career.

“He is in need of one more blowout, but we still have plenty of time up our sleeve.”

Jumping from the outside gate, Able Friend sat at the tail of the nine-horse field as stablemate Sunny Ying made the running. Moreira moved to the outside fence in the straight and Able Friend finished off with Ladies' Purse winner Packing Llaregyb and Hong Kong Derby runner-up Romantic Touch, splitting the two at the finish.

While Moreira said the trial wasn’t Able Friend’s best, he said that was a positive given the time until the race.

“I was actually very happy he didn’t trial in an outstanding manner,” Moreira said.

“That means he is heading to his best when we need him to be. Still, I was delighted in the way he travelled and he did nothing wrong.

“It’s been a long season. He has done extremely well, but I still think there is a little more to get out of him.”

Able Friend leaves on Saturday, flying via Dubai and arriving at the Newmarket stables of Michael Bell on Sunday.

“It’s a two-hour stop over in Dubai. By the time he hits the stable it’s 20 to 21 hours in total,” Moore said.

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