A LITTLE-KNOWN trainer's superstar horse has been absolutely 'smashed' in the betting for Royal Ascot.
Bookies William Hill have been forced to slash the price of two-year-old colt Francisco's Piece from 25-1 to 8-1.
Adrian Keatley's Listed winner is being heavily backed for the Group 2 Coventry Stakes on Tuesday, day one of the five-day meeting.
Francisco's Piece has won two of his three races - finishing runner-up in the other - and was last seen claiming a Listed contest at Chantilly earlier this month.
Sent off 23-10 under retained Wathnan rider James Doyle, Francisco's Piece drew clear of rivals and scooted home in the 5f contest on heavy.
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Speaking afterwards, Malton-based handler Keatley gave the impression he wasn't 100 per cent sold on going to Ascot.
He said: "Francisco's Piece is a good horse and this is a massive step forward. We're delighted to get that win under his belt.
"He's going to improve loads as he's still a little bit behind in his coat and is still a little bit underdeveloped.
"He could come back for the Prix Robert Papin. Everybody want's to go to Royal Ascot, but I don't mind if this fella stays at home in his box.
"Everything is still on the table."
But it looks now like it's all systems go for the big juvenile contest.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “We’re now only days out from Royal Ascot and our traders are starting to pick up some eye-catching market movers.
"Francisco’s Piece has been the subject of huge support for the Coventry, backed all the way into 8-1 from 25-1 in recent days.
"That looks to be hotting up into a cracking betting heat, with Aidan O'Brien's Camille Pissarro and son Joseph's Cowardofthecounty both leading the way at 5-1 joint-favourites."
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