“He needs to show the world that he is the best European sprinter on Saturday."

Lazzat heads a packed field of 20 for Saturday's Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot, with the Jerome Reynier-trained four-year-old one of two horses set to represent France alongside the Aga Khan Studs-owned Rayevka.

The son of Ribchester will make up a three-strong attack for owners Wathnan Racing, who also saddle last year's champion Kind Of Blue and Flora Of Bermuda.

Jerome Reynier's stable star enjoyed notable success in the Prix Maurice de Gheest as a three-year-old and although he's posted some below-par efforts over a mile subsequently, there was little doubt that he was back to his brilliant best when defeating Satono Reve by half a length in the six-furlong Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

Lazzat has since unsuccessfully defended his crown in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and been beaten in the Sprint Cup at Haydock but back at the scene of his finest hour, Jerome Reynier remains confident of a bold showing from his striking sprinter.

Reynier said: "His campaign started in March, and he won over the sprint distance in May, in a Listed race - the prep race for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

"Obviously in Royal Ascot he was unreal. He was very good that day, but he had a tough battle against the Japanese contender, and they broke the course record. I was a bit scared that this race was going to be a bit tough on him but physically and mentally he was just the same.

"We were aiming for the Prix Maurice de Gheest, where we were disappointed to be beaten but the winner that day was really good.

"In Haydock he ran a good race, but he was drawn in the middle and there was a big bias there. He wasn't beaten too far, but he was always under pressure and that isn't the way he is usually.

"This time, he is back on a course where he has done well, so we can only be hopeful with him. He has been working well and looks good.

"He needs to show the world that he is the best European sprinter on Saturday."

Lazzat will have to take on his Sprint Cup conqueror Big Mojo once more, while last year's Haydock (Sprint Cup) winner Montaasib, who went on to finish fifth in this race twelve months ago, will be hoping to build on his pleasing reappearance over five furlongs in Group 3 company at Newbury last month.