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Royal Ascot Preview: Horses to Watch
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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.
Date | Racecourse | Race Name | Distance | Position | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01-Apr-2024 | Newmarket | Rowley Mile Stakes | 1 mile | 2nd | Ran well despite the pace not suiting; strong finish. |
15-Apr-2024 | Newmarket | Rowley Mile Handicap | 1 mile | 3rd | Consistent performance, improved position in the final furlong. |
22-May-2024 | Ascot | Ascot Mile | 1 mile | 1st | Excellent performance; won by a clear margin, showcasing strong stamina. |
05-Jun-2024 | Epsom | Epsom Mile Handicap | 1 mile | 4th | Competitive field; maintained a steady pace throughout. |
12-Jun-2024 | Ascot | Royal Hunt Cup Trial | 1 mile | 2nd | Close 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.
Date | Racecourse | Race Name | Distance | Position | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01-May-2024 | Newmarket | Guineas Meeting Stakes | 7 furlongs | 2nd | Strong performance; narrowly beaten by a local specialist, Noble Dynasty. |
15-May-2024 | Haydock | Haydock Handicap | 7 furlongs | 1st | Dominant win; justified 8/11 favouritism in a commanding style. |
22-Oct-2023 | Ascot | Autumn Sprint Handicap | 6 furlongs | 2nd | Narrowly beaten by Rohaan; showed excellent speed and determination. |
05-Apr-2024 | Newbury | Spring Mile Stakes | 1 mile | 3rd | Competitive race; held position well against a strong field. |
10-May-2024 | York | York Mile Handicap | 1 mile | 1st | Impressive 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.
Date | Racecourse | Race Name | Distance | Position | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31-May-2024 | Doncaster | Evening Novice Stakes | 1 mile | 1st | Seasonal reappearance; won comfortably by a half-length. |
02-Oct-2023 | Doncaster | Novice Stakes | 1 mile | 3rd | Strong showing; kept pace well in a competitive field. |
15-Apr-2023 | Newmarket | Fillies' Mile Stakes | 1 mile | 4th | Solid performance; held her own among more experienced rivals. |
03-Jul-2023 | Sandown | Maiden Fillies' Stakes | 7 furlongs | 2nd | Promising run; finished strongly, just missing out on first place. |
01-May-2023 | York | Maiden Fillies' Stakes | 7 furlongs | 2nd | Impressive 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.
Date | Racecourse | Race Name | Distance | Position | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30-Apr-2024 | Sandown | Spring Sprint Handicap | 5 furlongs | 1st | Strong performance; won convincingly after being gelded. |
15-Mar-2024 | Lingfield | Sprint Handicap | 5 furlongs | 3rd | Good effort; showed improvement after seasonal reappearance. |
01-Oct-2023 | Ascot | Autumn Sprint Handicap | 5 furlongs | 4th | Competitive race; maintained a solid pace throughout. |
12-Sep-2023 | Haydock | Maiden Stakes | 6 furlongs | 2nd | Promising run; narrowly missed first place, showing potential. |
20-Aug-2023 | Newmarket | Maiden Stakes | 6 furlongs | 3rd | Decent 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.
Date | Racecourse | Race Name | Distance | Position | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
31-May-2024 | Chepstow | Maiden Stakes | 10 furlongs | 1st | Hugely impressive win; dominated the field, securing a strong victory. |
15-May-2024 | Windsor | Novice Stakes | 1 mile | 3rd | Promising performance; showed good potential despite being unraced at 2. |
30-Apr-2024 | Newmarket | Novice Stakes | 1 mile | 2nd | Solid debut; finished strongly and showed promise for future races. |
10-Sep-2023 | Doncaster | Maiden Stakes | 7 furlongs | 4th | Decent debut; maintained a steady pace, indicating room for improvement. |
25-Aug-2023 | York | Maiden Stakes | 7 furlongs | 5th | Initial race; gained valuable experience, finished mid-field. |