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Australian Bloodstock principal Jamie Lovett says a top three finish from Brave Smash in tonight’s $US2 million Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan will see the versatile sprinter continue on to the UK for an assault on Royal Ascot.

The rapidly expanding Queensland-based Aquis Farm acquired a stake in dual G1 winner Brave Smash late last year and is keen to see the former Japanese stallion perform join their high class mare Houtzen in the UK before he begins his stud career this spring.

Houtzen has the G1 King’s Stand Stakes as her Royal Ascot aim while Aquis are keen to see Brave Smash step out in the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

“Royal Ascot is a priority for Aquis and they are keen to have Brave Smash there with Houtzen,” Lovett said.

“If he runs well I’d suggest he goes there before the breeding season.

Lovett said the last start third by Brave Smash in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington was an excellent form line for the 5YO against Godolphin’s crack sprinter and Al Quoz favourite Blue Point.

Brave Smash spotted the Newmarket winner Sunlight 6.5kg and she has since added another G1 win to her outstanding record in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

“I know Blue Point is a very good horse, but he’s also got his vulnerabilities,” Lovett said.

” I’ll be disappointed if we don’t finish top three. I truly believe he’s that good a horse that he should be in the finish.

“He’s really in a good place at the moment, he’s travelled well and he should have every opportunity to perform.”

Since he started racing in Australia in 2017 Brave Smash has had 20 starts for three wins and nine placings with his successes including his G1 victories in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) and Manikato Stakes (1200m).

Australia plays a strong hand in the Al Quoz Sprint with Viddora and Illustrious Lad joining Brave Smash in the crack international field.

The straight 1200m turf sprint has previously been won by Australian stars Buffering and Ortensia.