Australian trainer Gary Portelli is excited ahead of Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, saying Gold Trail is at the top of his game.Gold Trail and fellow Australian Nicconi have drawn barriers four and eight respectively for their assignment in the Group One race over the straight 1000 metre course.A field of 12 will contest the sprint with the David Hayes-trained Nicconi the early favourite.However, Portelli is confident of a big showing from Gold Trail who has surprised him with the

Australian trainer Gary Portelli is excited ahead of Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, saying Gold Trail is at the top of his game.

Gold Trail and fellow Australian Nicconi have drawn barriers four and eight respectively for their assignment in the Group One race over the straight 1000 metre course.

A field of 12 will contest the sprint with the David Hayes-trained Nicconi the early favourite.

However, Portelli is confident of a big showing from Gold Trail who has surprised him with the way he has coped with travelling first to Singapore and then England.

"Anything can go wrong in a day but at this stage everything's gone to plan," Portelli told Sydney's Sky Sports Radio.

"The horse looks fantastic and we've drawn a good gate.

"I've been very easy on him over the last few days and we've got him right back where we need him.

"He's put on 11 kilos since he's been here and is at 526 kilos."

Portelli said he was not convinced Gold Trail necessarily had to lead but most others seemed to think he would.

"It appears we are the designated leader," he said.

"I'll leave it to Michael (Rodd). He will go for a walk of the track when he gets to Ascot and pick the right lane.

"Going down the straight you'll either be right or very, very wrong.

"I'd be happy if something wanted to lead.

"It would be ideal for us to sit off the pace but the talk is we have it on the other horses for early speed and might end up in front."

Nicconi, who is now being challenged for favouritism by local Kingsgate Native, will wear a visor in the race.

Hayes has been keeping a close eye on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Kingsgate Native at his Newmarket base.

"I've seen him work a couple of times now and he is a likely type, but I could not be more satisfied with how my horse is going," Hayes said.

Kingsgate Native is already proven on the Royal Ascot stage after winning the 2008 Golden Jubilee Stakes.