Royal Ascot Preview: Horses to Watch

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.

DateRacecourseRace NameDistancePositionDetails
01-Apr-2024NewmarketRowley Mile Stakes1 mile2ndRan well despite the pace not suiting; strong finish.
15-Apr-2024NewmarketRowley Mile Handicap1 mile3rdConsistent performance, improved position in the final furlong.
22-May-2024AscotAscot Mile1 mile1stExcellent performance; won by a clear margin, showcasing strong stamina.
05-Jun-2024EpsomEpsom Mile Handicap1 mile4thCompetitive field; maintained a steady pace throughout.
12-Jun-2024AscotRoyal Hunt Cup Trial1 mile2ndClose finish; demonstrated good potential for the upcoming Royal Hunt Cup.

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.

DateRacecourseRace NameDistancePositionDetails
01-May-2024NewmarketGuineas Meeting Stakes7 furlongs2ndStrong performance; narrowly beaten by a local specialist, Noble Dynasty.
15-May-2024HaydockHaydock Handicap7 furlongs1stDominant win; justified 8/11 favouritism in a commanding style.
22-Oct-2023AscotAutumn Sprint Handicap6 furlongs2ndNarrowly beaten by Rohaan; showed excellent speed and determination.
05-Apr-2024NewburySpring Mile Stakes1 mile3rdCompetitive race; held position well against a strong field.
10-May-2024YorkYork Mile Handicap1 mile1stImpressive victory; displayed versatility and stamina over the distance.



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.

DateRacecourseRace NameDistancePositionDetails
31-May-2024DoncasterEvening Novice Stakes1 mile1stSeasonal reappearance; won comfortably by a half-length.
02-Oct-2023DoncasterNovice Stakes1 mile3rdStrong showing; kept pace well in a competitive field.
15-Apr-2023NewmarketFillies' Mile Stakes1 mile4thSolid performance; held her own among more experienced rivals.
03-Jul-2023SandownMaiden Fillies' Stakes7 furlongs2ndPromising run; finished strongly, just missing out on first place.
01-May-2023YorkMaiden Fillies' Stakes7 furlongs2ndImpressive debut; showed potential with a strong finish.

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.

DateRacecourseRace NameDistancePositionDetails
30-Apr-2024SandownSpring Sprint Handicap5 furlongs1stStrong performance; won convincingly after being gelded.
15-Mar-2024LingfieldSprint Handicap5 furlongs3rdGood effort; showed improvement after seasonal reappearance.
01-Oct-2023AscotAutumn Sprint Handicap5 furlongs4thCompetitive race; maintained a solid pace throughout.
12-Sep-2023HaydockMaiden Stakes6 furlongs2ndPromising run; narrowly missed first place, showing potential.
20-Aug-2023NewmarketMaiden Stakes6 furlongs3rdDecent debut; finished strongly, indicating room for improvement.



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.

DateRacecourseRace NameDistancePositionDetails
31-May-2024ChepstowMaiden Stakes10 furlongs1stHugely impressive win; dominated the field, securing a strong victory.
15-May-2024WindsorNovice Stakes1 mile3rdPromising performance; showed good potential despite being unraced at 2.
30-Apr-2024NewmarketNovice Stakes1 mile2ndSolid debut; finished strongly and showed promise for future races.
10-Sep-2023DoncasterMaiden Stakes7 furlongs4thDecent debut; maintained a steady pace, indicating room for improvement.
25-Aug-2023YorkMaiden Stakes7 furlongs5thInitial race; gained valuable experience, finished mid-field.
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