Day one talking points…
“There was so much to take out of that first day. We had some really eye catching performances from River Tiber, Bradsell followed up on last year’s success and Paddington really put Chaldean in his place.”
“However, Frankie Dettori, who we seemingly can’t keep out of the headlines came away from day one empty handed. I, and plenty of others, thought he would enjoy a fruitful day yesterday but it wasn’t to be. But I remain absolutely convinced he will have his moment at this meeting.”
“Another thing to note is Highfield Princess. She conceded 3lb to Bradsell and failed by just a length, but I have no doubt she will be winning big races and lots of them very soon. Perhaps even on Saturday if she comes back for the Jubilee Stakes.”
“Although day one didn’t quite deliver the headlines we were hoping for, the ground is beautiful, the weather looks good and I think we’re all set for a fabulous meeting.”
PRINCE OF WALES STAKES
Wednesday 21st June, 4:20pm
Adayar @ 4/1
Luxembourg @ 9/4
Bay Bridge @ 7/2
My Prospero @ 7/2
Mostahdaf @ 20/1
Classic Causeway @ 100/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
It is a sumptuous Prince of Wales Stakes dripping with quality as three heavyweights re-oppose in Adayar, Bay Bridge and My Prospero. Luxembourg is in the mix too aiming to provide Aidan O’Brien with a fifth Prince of Wales success after his impressive win in the Tatterstalls Gold Cup ahead of Bay Bridge.
What Cornelius says…
“Adayar is a British headline horse who has gone about his business quietly since the emphatic performances in the King George Stakes and Epsom Derby in 2021. Coming off the back off a comfortable victory at the Gordon Richard Stakes, Adayar is all set up and ready for his long-awaited return to the main stage.”
“My Prospero has got plenty of mentions by William Haggas in the run up to Ascot, running a perfect race in the 4th place finish in the Lockinge Stakes. He was beaten in the Champion Stakes by Adayar and Bay Bridge, but Ascot every year is a place where horses like My Prospero can play their part.”
“Classic Causeway is the American underdog with plenty of ability. He won the Belmont Derby last year, beating Dettori on a Godolphin horse, as well as Aiden O’Brien’s Stone Age. It would be surprising if he has enough ability in this field, however the international element certainly adds some excitement.”
In the spotlight…
“Even with absentees it’s a fabulous Prince of Wales stakes, my money is going definitely towards My Prospero who is a quality horse absolutely revelling in a mile and a quarter. I’m really struck that on a plenty of occasions when William Haggas has been talking about his horses for the Royal Meeting he can’t help but mention My Prospero.”
DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES
Wednesday 21st June, 3:40pm
Jumbly @ 85/40
Prosperous Voyage @ 5/2
Grande Dame @ 13/2
Queen Aminatu @ 9/1
Rogue Millennium @ 9/1
Honey Girl @ 11/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
Bringing together an eclectic field of classy fillies, as one would expect at Royal Ascot, there are plenty of Group winners to choose from. Jumbly leads the market having made a promising debut for her new connections last time out, while Prosperous Voyage and Grand Dame have strong claims.
What Cornelius says…
“There’s a stack of interest around Jumbly running in the Duke of Cambridge. She ran with real credit when finishing second at the Curragh – I know Ryan Moore was very pleased with her. A lot of the people travelling with the Irish horses are pretty enthusiastic about her prospects.”
In the spotlight…
Prosperous Voyage has the Frankie factor and won a Group 3 at Epsom last time out. A Group 1 winner last season, beating Inspiral and fellow Royal Ascot winner Sandrine, she has proven class and plenty of ability.
What to look out for…
1. Only one filly has placed in the Windsor Castle Stakes in the last 10 years.
2. There have been only three winning favourites in the last 34 years in the Royal Hunt Cup –True Panache in 1989, Yeast in 1996 and Forgotten Voice in 2009.
3. The Prince of Wales is a race to justify market confidence with 20 out of the last 20 winners within the first six in the market.
The verdict:
A red-hot Prince of Wales is the highlight of the day, while Frankie Dettori could be at the heart of proceedings once again with a strong book of rides featuring three market leaders in Tamarama (3:05), Prosperous Voyage (3:40) and Gregory (5:35). As well as a Royal contender in Reach For The Moon on handicap debut (5:00).
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