Royal Ascot Preview: Horses to Watch

Leon Hughes / 5:23 PM GMT • 9th June, 2024

5 minutes

Looking at Key Contenders and Handicaps for the Upcoming Royal Meeting

With a few quiet Saturdays between the Derby Festival at Epsom and Royal Ascot, attention is shifting to the latter. There are numerous factors to consider for the Royal Ascot handicaps, including the draw on both the straight track and the round course. Nevertheless, we have some horses in mind for these races. Here are a few to consider as you conduct your research for the Royal meeting.

Royal Hunt Cup, Wednesday, 19th June

DAYSOFOURLIVES 

DAYSOFOURLIVES can run further than the mile trip of the Royal Hunt Cup, which is often advantageous in such races. He thrives with a fast-paced gallop to aim at and has performed admirably in two races on Newmarket’s Rowley Mile this spring, despite not having ideal race conditions. His rating has increased to 97 due to these efforts, which should secure him a spot in the Royal Hunt Cup. Having run well at Ascot before, including a course and distance win, he is a strong contender if Marco Botti opts for the mile option during race week.

Buckingham Palace Stakes, Thursday, 20th June; Wokingham, 

ENGLISH OAK

The Ed Walker yard is enjoying a successful season and hopes to continue this form at Royal Ascot. ENGLISH OAK, who showed promise at Newmarket’s Guineas meeting and then excelled at Haydock, is one to watch. Both races were over seven furlongs, making the Buckingham Palace Stakes an ideal target. However, given his strong performance over six furlongs at Ascot last October, the Wokingham is also a possibility. This lightly-raced son of Wootton Bassett has group class potential, and his new mark of 100 should see him challenge strongly in either race at Royal Ascot.

Sandringham Stakes, Friday, 21st June

INDELIBLE

After backing INDELIBLE for the Oaks last year, it was satisfying to see her win a mile novice stakes at Doncaster on Oaks day. Despite a slow start this season, her win on 31st May showed her potential. With a rating of 91, connections might opt for the Sandringham Stakes on her way to longer distances. This filly is likely to improve with more experience and could easily make a mark in the Sandringham before stepping up to 10 furlongs and beyond.

Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes, Friday, 21st June

EQUITY LAW

EQUITY LAW impressed with his victory at Sandown in April, showing significant improvement after being gelded. Trainer Andrew Balding knows the family well, and with a 3lb rise to a mark of 86, he is well-placed for the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes. This 0-105 handicap over five furlongs for three-year-old sprinters suits him perfectly, and he is expected to advance through the handicap ranks this summer.

Golden Gates Handicap, Saturday, 22nd June

GILDED WATER – 

The Golden Gates Handicap, a race for three-year-olds, is the penultimate event of the week. GILDED WATER, owned by HM The King & HM The Queen and trained by William Haggas, is a strong contender. Unraced at two, he quickly qualified for handicaps with three promising runs between April and May, culminating in an impressive win at Chepstow over 10 furlongs. His opening mark of 92 reflects his potential, and this race looks ideal for his handicap debut.