HENRY Candy believes his Wantage stable is under a cloud after Limato became the latest of his string to put in a below-par performance in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.

Candy had thought as much after his fancied runners were well beaten at York, and was more convinced when Limato struggled home in tenth place in Saturday’s Group 1 mile contest.

However, he is hoping the six-year-old will be back in top form in time for Royal Ascot where he is still leaning more towards the Queen Anne Stakes over a mile rather than the six-furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“I was very disappointed with the way my horses ran at York and I was disappointed how he ran,” said Candy.

“I think they are just a bit off-colour. I would ignore it.

“He’s absolutely fine. He pulled a front shoe off in the race, but I wouldn’t attach any importance to that. He’s in good form.”

Rank outsider Accidental Agent outran his 66-1 odds to finish sixth in the Lockinge Stakes for Blewbury trainer Eve Johnson Houghton, who had struck at the Berkshire track a day earlier with Ice Age.

The five-year-old gelding, who was second to Blaine in the corresponding six-furlong handicap 12 months ago, went one better with a game three-quarters-of-a-length verdict over Baron Bolt under Charlie Bishop.

Now Ice Age is in line for a shot at the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 23.

“I’m thrilled with him,” said Johnson Houghton. “He’s a lovely, bonny horse. He loves racing and always tries his best.”

Johnson Houghton and Bishop also teamed up to strike with Roser Moter, who left her previous form behind to get off the mark with a three-length win at Wolverhampton.

East Ilsley trainer Hughie Morrison was left frustrated after Nearly Caught was denied a Group 2 victory and an invitation to the Belmont Gold Cup in New York after being disqualified for causing interference in Germany’s top staying race.

The eight-year-old finished half a length ahead in the Comer Group International Oleander-Rennen at Hoppegarten only to be demoted to second spot.

Azor Ahai made it third time lucky for Mick Channon’s West Ilsley yard with a neck victory in a six-furlong novice stakes at Ripon, while stablemate Iconic Star got off the mark at the 18th attempt by taking a fillies’ handicap at Yarmouth.