The Japan Cup has emerged as an end-of-year option for the Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin, who will be seen next in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Last year’s Derby hero started his four-year-old season up at a mile and a half in Meydan, but has dropped back to 10 furlongs the last twice, adding the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot to the Irish Champion Stakes he won over a mile and a quarter last year.
Such was the impressive nature of his success at the Royal meeting, connections would have been fully entitled to remain at that winning trip for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown.
However, with the lure of becoming the first Derby winner since Golden Horn in 2015 to win the Eclipse, it was City Of Troy who got the nod to head to Sandown from Ballydoyle, with Auguste Rodin booked for a return to both 12 furlongs and Ascot later this month.
O’Brien said: “I suppose the Eclipse did come under consideration, but the lads make the plans about what they would like to do with them, and with Auguste Rodin he has won over a mile and a half last year and is an older horse, he’s had three runs now and two runs before Ascot.
“Ascot was his first big-race target of the year we felt and there was always the possibility that if it did go well we would go back to Ascot for the King George.
“Obviously the Eclipse is a really prestigious race for a three-year-old and there was always the possibility if it did go right in the Derby, City Of Troy would go to the Eclipse to take on the older horses and for us to learn a little bit more about the horse and for the horse to learn a bit more as well.
“I suppose Auguste Rodin definitely would have been in the mix for the Eclipse, but it looks the right fit to go back to Ascot for the King George with him and the lads obviously felt it was the right call to go with City Of Troy in the Eclipse.”
Separating Coolmore’s two most recent Epsom heroes does not come easy when both bring such champion qualities to the table, with both having their name mentioned in the same breath for the Breeders’ Cup Classic over the course of the last year.
But having already enjoyed success at the end-of-season championships in the Turf in 2023, Auguste Rodin – a son of the late Japanese superstar Deep Impact – could be tasked with breaking O’Brien’s duck in the Japan Cup later in the year, leaving the road to Del Mar clear for his stablemate.
“They both have different options for the second half of the season and Auguste Rodin could be a Japan Cup horse,” continued O’Brien.
“He has won at the Breeders’ Cup already and maybe the lads might do that and maybe City Of Troy could be a horse for the Classic.
“They like to play all their cards differently to suit their horses and at the same time they love watching racing and going racing, so they try to spread them out.”
City Of Troy’s route to Del Mar could include a trip to York next month or a first outing of the year on home soil, while the master of Ballydoyle is in no rush to expose the all-conquering son of Justify to dirt before a possible run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with a trip to Southwell mooted to garner experience on a similar surface.
Image: City Of Troy wins The Derby at Epsom
“I suppose the leap after this race would have to be either the Irish Champion Stakes or the Juddmonte International and I would imagine the lads would be looking at those races, without knowing or discussing what they are thinking,” added O’Brien.
“I would hope we keep him racing in this part of the world for as long as we can and I just feel he is going to be a very important horse to European pedigrees if we can keep him to this part of the world.
“We’ve had horses just beaten in the Classic before, Declaration Of War and Giant’s Causeway, and they never went over for a dirt race before that. We took them to Southwell for a gallop and I know the surface has changed there now, it’s Tapeta and a bit different to Polytrack.
“I would hope if the Eclipse went well, it would be another race and if we decide to go to America then maybe we give him a day out at Southwell or something. None of that is written in stone what the lads are thinking, but that’s what is going on in our heads at the minute.”
Haatem enjoyed a deserved day in the sun after clinging on grimly to claim a thrilling renewal of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Winner of the Craven Stakes in April, Richard Hannon’s three-year-old returned to Newmarket to finish third in the 2000 Guineas before finding only his esteemed stablemate Rosallion too strong in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh three weeks later.
With Rosallion having given the form a major boost by landing the St James’s Palace Stakes on Tuesday, Haatem was given his opportunity to shine on the final day of the Royal meeting, carrying the colours of Wathnan Racing for the first time in the hands of James Doyle.
Image: Winning jockey James Doyle
With 13/8 favourite River Tiber finding disappointingly little when push came to shove, Haatem (7/2) moved nicely to the front and looked set to win handsomely after taking a couple of lengths out of the field.
However, the Harry Charlton-trained Kikkuli – half-brother to the mighty Frankel by top sire Kingman – really found his feet late on and the pair passed the post almost as one.
Following a brief wait, the judge confirmed Haatem had held on by a short head, with the Johnny Murtagh-trained Chicago Critic (80/1) in third.
“He’s deserved this. It’s a Group Three, but it’s not, it’s Royal Ascot,” said Hannon.
“He carried a penalty, he got there very easy and he deserved his day in the sun. Hopefully he’ll have plenty more.
“It was a very deep race, there were 20 runners and it was not your normal Jersey.
“It’s great for Wathnan, they bought a lot of horses and it was so important they had success and they’ve earned it.
“There are so many options for him, we’ll travel a bit, there’s a lot of races for him in Australia, France and America, but he’ll go back over a mile, it was a bit of a risk going back down to seven.
“In fairness both James Doyle and Jamie Spencer who have ridden him recently said he’d have no problem dropping down to seven and they were right.
“I don’t think there’s any need for him to take on Rosallion again. I wouldn’t enjoy watching that. I didn’t mind watching the Irish Guineas back afterwards, but it’s not enjoyable at the time.
“He’s a horse that deserves everything he gets. He cost just £27,000, and that says a lot about our sport, a lot of it good. He’s here taking part with a penalty at the top level. It shows it’s possible, which you can’t say about many sports.”
Of Kikkuli, Charlton said: “We’re delighted with him. Oisin (Murphy) said it was a bit of a head up, head down – he rode him to follow Haatem, and James Doyle on a miler started stretching two down. Oisin said he’s run great. It’s a shame to be second twice (after King’s Gambit earlier in the week), but we won’t take anything away from the horse, he’s run great against a hardened Group One horse who’s had a lot more experience than him.
“Barry (Mahon, of Juddmonte) texted me this morning and said, ‘He’s 25-1’, and I said, ‘Well, Karl Burke’s horse that was 5-1 for the Guineas (Night Raider) is bigger than us – it’s a proper race and a there are a lot of 110-plus horses’, and he’s run outstandingly, really.
“Oisin said seven or eight furlongs. I think actually what looked key there was having pace. He travelled probably the best of them; he enjoyed the pace and the quick ground.
“I watched them down at the start and he was probably the one horse not sweating. He’s from an exuberant family, and by Kingman, and this lad is absolutely bombproof.”
Bedtime Story charges to emphatic Chesham victory
Bedtime Story shot to the head of ante-post lists for next year’s 1000 Guineas following a scintillating display in the Chesham Stakes on the final day at Royal Ascot.
A winner as an apparent second string for Aidan O’Brien at Leopardstown little over a fortnight ago, the daughter of Frankel and top-class sprinting mare Mecca’s Angel was a well-supported 11-8 favourite to double her tally.
Image: Bedtime Story rockets home
Always travelling well in the slipstream of the keen-going pacesetter Motawahij, Bedtime Story left her rivals standing once given her head by Ryan Moore, accelerating an astonishing nine and a half lengths clear of her toiling rivals, with Pentle Bay pipping Brian to the runner-up spot.
O’Brien said: “We never let her go before, it’s the first time we’ve asked her to stretch and she just took off. We’ve treated her gently, she has unbelievable pedigree and she’s obviously very special.
“Ryan said he couldn’t believe it; he said everyone fell away, he said ‘go on’, and she just took off. He didn’t even give her a slap down the shoulder.
“It’s unusual for a filly to do that, she’d won nicely first time but we thought she was a Group One filly.
“You all saw what I saw, we won’t be looking for one that’s better, that is for sure.”
Moore said: “The only I time worked was pulling up really. She travelled very easy, they’ve gone too slow for her really.
“I had room at the three so we started going forward and the race was over very quickly. Obviously, she’s a level above all of them.”
When asked about comparisons with the stable’s Albany Stakes winner Fairy Godmother, he added: “It’s a hard one. They haven’t really been asked to do too much at home. We don’t know a whole about them, we don’t know what they’ve beaten yet, but they are two very exciting fillies.
“A performance like that, you don’t see normally.”
On how he will keep Fairy Godmother and Bedtime Story apart, O’Brien added: “There are plenty of races for them all, I think. She’ll be staying at seven furlongs, obviously.”
Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, two of the Coolmore triumvirate along with John Magnier, were suitably impressed.
Smith said: “I asked Ryan if she was as good as she looked and he said ‘absolutely’. You can’t get better than that. They don’t win like that here. I’m speechless really.”
While Tabor said: “We expected her to win, but you never expect an animal to win the way she did.
“Unfortunately for Godolphin (Age Of Gold), the second in, which we thought was the obvious danger, was never going well. So I thought, in-running, that we would win. To win by nine or 10 lengths is incredible, though.
“Her and Fairy Godmother were both spectacular.”
Hand Of God scores Golden Gates winner for Harry Charlton
On the 38th anniversary of the Diego Maradona goal that knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup, Hand Of God was an appropriate winner of the Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Having rounded off his juvenile campaign with a maiden victory at Newmarket, the Harry Charlton-trained colt won on his handicap debut at Sandown in April and was a 9/4 favourite to complete the hat-trick in the hands of William Buick.
The son of Churchill picked up well once asked to go about his business and passed the post with a length and three-quarters in hand over Cambridge, with Black Run third.
It was a deserved victory this week for Charlton after King’s Gambit came from the clouds to finish second in the Hampton Court Stakes in the same colours on Thursday, while Kikkuli was beaten just a short head in the Jersey Stakes earlier on Saturday’s card.
Charlton said: “He didn’t have a great trip, but he had a clear run and picked up very quick and William thought he almost got there too soon.
“It was hard to plan as the complexion of the race changed so much with the non-runners as we were originally drawn 17 of 19 and it came down to 10 of 12 so it wasn’t as bad as it first looked
“The plan was to be mid-div and not three off the rail, I think he was further back than planned and he was three off the rail so it didn’t go to plan, but he picked up great.
“I think he’s still a 10-furlong horse; he’s got a great mind and is good physically. He’s not done much wrong and I guess he’s probably due a step up in class. He works with King’s Gambit, so we were all quite confident.
“Credit to Mohammed Jaber as he’s had a tough week with what happened to King’s Gambit, we all thought we were a bit unlucky that day so for him to get a winner is important.”
Buick said: “I know there were a few non-runners, but to be drawn 17 at a mile and a quarter is a notoriously hard draw. We got in where we could and got a lovely rhythm. To be honest, when he picked up early in the straight, he was pretty instant and progressive to the line.
“He gave me a really good feel. He’s very comfortable at a mile and a quarter, I would say that he’s been needing this trip. He’s a young horse going places.”
He added: “King’s Gambit in the Hampton Court was a very unlucky loser. We kind of lost it at the start, unfortunately, where we got back and then the race was getting away from us – there wasn’t much of a pace and it was very much a Plan B sort of ride.
“It wasn’t the plan to ride him (King’s Gambit) like that at all, but it was through unfortunate circumstances and he ran very well to finish second as close as he did. I believe he should have won, but he’s a nice horse for the future, and Hand Of God winning now gives some compensation.”
It’s the final day of Royal Ascot and it’s time for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – live on Sky Sports Racing!
3.45 Royal Ascot – Kinross and Mill Stream headline
Ralph Beckett’s star sprinter Kinross was last seen finishing a narrow second behind the re-opposing Art Power in the British Champions Sprint here last October and is fancied to make a winning return under new jockey Rossa Ryan in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Mill Stream has gradually progressed through the ranks and having produced a career best when landing the Group Two Duke Of York last month, he looks to have strong each-way claims under William Buick.
George Boughey’s Believing makes a quick return to the track having finished a staying-on fourth in the King Charles III Stakes and must be feared as she steps up to six furlongs.
Of the others, Art Power would appreciate a softer surface, while the hat-trick seeking Shartash heads up in grade for Archie Watson and James Doyle.
3.05 Royal Ascot – Continuous and Middle Earth clash
All eyes will be on Aidan O’Brien’s St Leger hero Continuous who makes his long-awaited reappearance under Ryan Moore in the Hardwicke Stakes. Last seen finishing fifth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October, he should have too much class for this field and can take this en route to top-table targets.
Image: Ryan Moore and Continuous pull clear to win the St Leger at Doncaster
The John and Thady Gosden team have been among the winners this week and they saddle Roaring Lion colt Middle Earth. A son of Roaring Lion, he showed a great attitude to fend off King Of Conquest to land the Group Three Aston Park Stakes on his last start and rates a huge danger under in-from Oisin Murphy.
Desert Hero took the King George V Stakes at this meeting last year but will need to bounce back from a disappointing effort at Newbury.
4.25 Royal Ascot – River Tiber and Haatem star in 20-runner Jersey
The Richard Hannon-trained Haatem finished in the money in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas this season and could prove tough to beat as he drops in class and distance under new pilot James Doyle in the Jersey Stakes.
Image: Haatem wins at Newmarket for Sean Levey and Richard Hannon
Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber claimed the Group Two Coventry Stakes at this meeting last season, and looks sure to run a big race especially if able to build on his encouraging third behind Haatem at the Curragh last month.
Unexposed pair Night Raider and Task Force are worth a mention, both finished well beaten in the 2000 Guineas and should find this a little easier.
Best of the rest
It’s Coolmore versus Godolphin in the Chesham Stakes at 2.30, as Age Of Gold and Bedtime Story head an intriguing market. Later in the day, Saint Lawrence looks to defend his Wokingham Stakes title but will have Dark Trooper for company in what looks a cracking race. Hand Of God goes to post in the Golden Gates Stakes at 5.40, before Joseph O’Brien’s Dawn Rising looks to go back-to-back at 6.15.
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing this week.
Calandgan stormed to an impressive victory in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot to become the first French winner of the week.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained 11/2 chance came with a strong run down the outside of the field in the home straight under Stephane Pasquier and stretched clear in the closing stages to prevail by six lengths.
Space Legend (9/2) plugged on for second under James Doyle, with Royal Supremacy third and Mondo Man fourth as the four Aidan O’Brien-trained runners failed to strike a blow.
Pasquier was riding his second Royal Ascot winner but the first since Manduro in 2007.
Graffard was training his second winner at the Royal meeting with the Aga Khan-owned son of Gleneagles, having first tasted success with Watch Me in the Coronation Stakes back in 2019.
He said: “With the draw we had we found ourselves a little bit out the back, but we decided to ride him by himself as he’s not used to a big field like that.
“It was very straightforward. It’s a pleasure to come, we’ve had a tough week so it’s good to finish on a nice winner.”
Calandagan hails from the family of Classic winner Clodovil but was gelded at the end of his juvenile campaign.
Graffard added: “First time out at Deauville he was very difficult, he wouldn’t load so we had no choice [but to geld him]. I’m sure the Princess (Zahra Aga Khan) will tell me she is upset we gelded him, again! Every win she is telling me, she is not happy, not happy! It’s brilliant, I am delighted for her.”
Crystal Black sparkles for Keanes
Colin Keane reflected on the “most emotional” success of his riding career after delivering Crystal Black to perfection to win the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes for his father Gerard.
Champion jockey for the last four seasons in Ireland, Keane has enjoyed a whole host big-race victories during that period including Classic wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Siskin, the Irish Oaks on Even So and the Irish Derby on Westover – but none meant more to him than this.
Image: Crystal Black is steered home by Colin Keane in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes
Heading to Ascot having won both of his starts this term, Crystal Black was an 11/1 shot for this ultra-competitive mile-and-a-half handicap and while he still had plenty of horses ahead of him heading into the straight, he soon responded to his rider’s urgings to take closer order.
Although the Willie Mullins-trained 7/4 favourite Ethical Diamond at one point looked the likely winner, Crystal Black was not for passing once striking the front, running on to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths with ears pricked from David O’Meara’s Epic Poet. Ziggy made late headway to pip Ethical Diamond for third.
“It’s the most emotional I’ve felt about riding a winner. It’s very special riding one for my father at Royal Ascot, and a great bunch of owners (the Wear A Pink Ribbon Syndicate). They might not get home for a while to be honest, but they’re dead right,” said the jockey.
“He’s improved from run to run and we thought he’d get a mile and a half, the way he was finishing over a mile and a quarter. He seems to be a horse that the longer he’s on the bridle, the better he travels, and he can quicken.
“At home he can just win by a neck or a head and has kept on the right side of the handicapper, thankfully. You’d imagine he’d have to move up to Group level now.”
Keane senior added: “It’s just unbelievable, I never thought we’d have a horse here. I dreamed of maybe having a Cheltenham horse along the way, I never dreamed we’d have a Royal Ascot horse.”
Soprano calls Sandringham tune under Loughnane
Billy Loughnane struck for the second time during Royal Ascot, as Soprano hit the right note in the Sandringham Stakes.
Winner of the Coventry Stakes on the opening day of the meeting, the 18-year-old was wearing the blue silks of Highclere Thoroughbreds aboard George Boughey’s three-year-old, who was good enough to place in group company as a two-year-old.
Image: Billy Loughnane celebrates after winning the Sandringham Stakes on Soprano
Third in the Albany at this meeting 12 months ago, she was racing in a handicap for the first time in this one-mile event and was sent off at 14/1.
With the action favouring those racing on the stands side of the track, the daughter of Starspangledbanner burst out of the pack to hunt down Rachel King aboard John and Thady Gosden’s Strutting deep inside the final furlong to win by half a length.
Loughnane said: “I had to bide my time, and she finished off very well. Her form was very strong from a two-year-old and this is her first step back in a handicap – she’d been running in stakes company – and first try over the mile as well.
“She hit the line well. She’s a filly with a lot of ability and, if I’m honest, she probably would have been a lot closer at Musselburgh. She was a bit slow through the gates on a front-running course. I was too far behind and I didn’t give her the greatest of rides. I’m delighted to be able to repay the owners and thank them very much for keeping faith.
Image: Loughnane celebrates his second Royal Ascot victory on Soprano
“It means a lot to ride a winner for George. I had my first winner for him a year ago last week and we’ve had plenty more since. Without George, I’m not sure I would have kept the momentum up after losing my claim. He’s been massive for me and I’ve got a lot to thank him for.
“This is a dream come true and the week keeps getting better and better. When you get the feeling, you always want to have it again.”
Pilgrim provides a first for Barrons
Pilgrim gave training duo David and Nicola Barron their first Royal Ascot winner as he claimed the honours in the closing Palace Of Holyrood House Stakes.
The 18/1 chance was driven home by Joe Fanning in the five-furlong handicap to foil Hollie Doyle on Blue Storm by half a length.
Third place went to No Half Measures with Woodhay Wonder in fourth spot.
Hugh Taylor has four selections for the final day of Royal Ascot on Saturday – watch all seven races live on Sky Sports Racing.
Karl Burke’s two-year-olds have had a terrific week, and Motawahij looks overpriced in the Chesham Stakes (2.30).
He made a promising debut at Hamilton earlier this month, shaping in typical fashion for one sourced from the breeze-up sales, knowing his job but over-racing slightly and unable to go with a speedier rival, who subsequently ran creditably in the Coventry Stakes, finishing third of eight in the far-side group and 12th of 24 overall.
Burke has only had three previous runners in this race but one of them, Markyg, had a very similar profile to that of Motawahij, as he was a US-bred breeze-up purchase who also ran at Hamilton on debut (finishing fourth of six) before finding tons of improvement to finish third in the 2008 Chesham at 22/1. His two other runners produced a mid-division finish at 66/1 and, famously, Holloway Boy’s 40/1 debut win two years ago.
Bedtime Story is clearly the right favourite after doing well to overhaul her better-fancied stablemate on her debut at Leopardstown, and that looks the best form on offer, but Motawahij appeals as the best each-way alternative.
Middle Earth was a smart horse last year, but he shaped like a much-improved performer on his seasonal debut at Newbury, and, with a run under his belt and conditions in his favour, he looks to have a valid chance of turning the tables on St Leger winner Continuous – who is the only one of Aidan O’Brien’s 40 runners at Royal Ascot this week to be making his seasonal debut – in the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05).
On his seasonal debut at Newbury over 1m 4f, he wasn’t well positioned off a steady pace, especially considering his best form last year came over 1m 6f, but he produced a terrific, sustained burst of speed to run down King Of Conquest, who very much enjoyed first run on him and went on to win a Listed race in emphatic style next time.
Middle Earth’s closing sectionals that day were eye-catching to say the least – for instance, his final two-furlong time was much quicker than the impressive finish produced by King’s Gambit in the 1m 2f race, and he was also faster over the closing two furlongs than Elite Status in the 6f Carnarvon Stakes or Audience and Charyn in the Lockinge Stakes.
Those figures in isolation don’t actually mean much, as regular followers of sectional times will be aware that it’s not unusual for middle-distance races to produced faster finishing times than races over shorter depending on the respective paces of the races. However, they do highlight how fast he had to go to overhaul a smart rival (now rated 114) who himself was pulling well clear of the remainder.
Continuous is obviously the one to beat, having had Middle Earth over 15 lengths behind when winning the St Leger on softish ground, and if he returns at the top of his game, he’ll be hard to beat. O’Brien stated in a recent At The Races stable tour that they didn’t feel there was a suitable prep race for him and that he had been for two “away” workouts.
However, as well as the very different underfoot conditions, the fact that Middle Earth has had a run and shown what appeared to be much-improved form are plausible reasons for thinking it should be much closer between them this time.
Fivethousandtoone has run shockers in his previous three starts at Ascot, but they were in his pre-headgear days during a period when he was very much in the doldrums, and he’s no forlorn hope in the Wokingham Stakes (5.05) despite his big weight.
He has gone from strength to strength since headgear was fitted and was extremely impressive when overcoming a poor track position to beat Misty Grey, who won subsequently over course and distance in a lightning-fast time before winning a hot Class Two handicap at Epsom.
Image: Fivethousandtoone (right) is Hugh’s pick for the Wokingham
With hindsight, Fivethousandtoone faced a very stiff task in the Duke Of York Stakes last time, especially as he raced away from where the contest unfolded, and he performed with plenty of credit in a hot race – six of the eight horses that beat him run in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes earlier on the card and he wasn’t that far behind them.
His style ought to lend itself well to the straight track here and he might leave his previous Ascot form behind in the headgear.
Primo Lara has improved significantly since being stepped up to 1m 2f, unsurprisingly given his pedigree, and he still looks a big player despite the 9lb rise for his latest win at York in the Golden Gates Stakes (5.40).
His dam was Listed placed over 1m 4f and 1m 6f, and having been handicapped on three runs over 7f, he has proved a different proposition over 1m 2f on his last two starts.
He came from last to first in great style, recording some fast sectionals, to win at Chelmsford on his handicap debut, and again impressed with the strength of his finish at York last time, having an ordinary field well strung out behind him.
That performance hasn’t been missed by the handicapper, but he started off such a lowly mark that he remains difficult to assess, and a truly-run, big-field race (which he hasn’t yet encountered) might see further improvement.
Hugh’s best bets (1 to 5 points)
2.30 ROYAL ASCOT – 1pt each-way MOTAWAHIJ
3.05 ROYAL ASCOT – 1pt win MIDDLE EARTH
5.05 ROYAL ASCOT – 1pt each-way FIVETHOUSANDTOONE
5.40 ROYAL ASCOT – 1pt win PRIMO LARA
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday.
Our ambassador Hollie Doyle aims for a second win on the spin in the prestigious cavalry charge that is the Wokingham Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Sights on a second Wokingham with Albasheer
My best chance of a winner on the final day of Royal Ascot is enigmatic sprinter Albasheer, who takes on 26 rivals in the Wokingham Stakes (5.05), one of the toughest handicaps of the season.
Archie Watson’s speedball was in red-hot form on the all-weather over the winter, winning twice at Newcastle, but can exploit an 8lb lower rating on turf.
He’s no stranger to big summer handicaps, however, dead-heating with Summerghand in a valuable race at York’s Ebor Festival last August and then finishing fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup.
I’d prefer not to be drawn high in stall 31 but I know what he’s capable of. Like a lot of sprint handicappers, he just needs things to fall right and it depends what mood he’s in on the day.
He loves flashing past horses when he’s on a going day and I hope I’ve made the right decision choosing him ahead of stable companion Saint Lawrence, who I won the race on last year.
Image: Hollie winning last year’s Wokingham Stakes on board Saint Lawrence
Hoping for a hot performance in Chesham
Hot Like Me has never seen a racecourse before but makes her debut for Newmarket trainer Richard Spencer in the Listed Chesham Stakes (2.30).
I was out of luck for Richard and owner Phil Cunningham on The Man in the Norfolk Stakes on Thursday so hopefully we can make our presence felt over this stiff seven furlongs.
Taking on colts without the benefit of a run is going to be tough but she’s highly regarded and I have sat on her at home. She’s a lovely daughter of Ghaiyyath whose dam was Group placed over the same trip as a two-year-old.
Grey Cuban could be a live outsider
I rode Grey Cuban in a big handicap at Epsom on Derby Day and am back on board in the Golden Gates Stakes (5.40).
Hugo Palmer’s three-year-old, who won for me at Wolverhampton back in the spring, ran well that day on his first try at the distance in a race that turned into a sprint.
The 10-furlong trip suits him well, he’s well drawn down against the fence and will hopefully cope with the fast conditions, so could be a live outsider.
Fast ground makes Trueshan doubtful for Alexandra
It was disappointing that Trueshan couldn’t run in the Gold Cup on Thursday due to unsuitable ground – the fourth consecutive year that a lack of rain cost him his chance.
Alan King declared him for the Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.15) over 2m 6f in the hope of an unexpected cloud burst, but prevailing conditions look certain to rule him out of the longest race of the week.
Trueshan’s fit and well and, assuming Saturday doesn’t happen for him, will be back as soon as he gets his favoured conditions.
Mitbaahy can come of age in Jubilee
I’m expecting a big number from Mitbaahy in Saturday’s feature race, the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (3.45).
Charles Hills’ five-year-old looked better than ever when out-gunning Tuesday’s King Charles III runner-up Regional in the Group Two Greenlands Stakes in Ireland last time.
Image: Mitbaahy and Jamie Spencer after winning at the Curragh last month
This stiff six furlongs will be ideal and he has the perfect ally in Jamie Spencer, who gave him a lovely patient ride at the Curragh and will hopefully be able to deliver him late again.
Mitbaahy was smart for previous trainer Roger Varian, winning a Group Three at Newbury as a three-year-old, but has taken his form to a new level this year and can make a seamless transition to top company.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch every race from Royal Ascot on Saturday live on Sky Sports Racing.
Royal Ascot continues on Friday with all seven races live on Sky Sports Racing once again, with the Coronation Stakes the feature contest.
3.45 Royal Ascot – Elmalka and Opera Singer headline strong Coronation field
Roger Varian has already hit the Group One target with Charyn this week and his 1000 Guineas winner Elmalka bids to follow up her shock Newmarket success in the one-mile Coronation Stakes with James Doyle replacing Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle.
Aidan O’Brien’s Opera Singer looked a potential superstar when claiming the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac as a two-year-old and is fancied to take a huge step forward, having finished third behind Fallen Angel in the Irish 1000 Guineas last month.
Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna and French raider Ramatuelle filled the places behind Elmalka in the 1000 Guineas and should be on the premises again, while Charlie Appleby’s Devoted Queen is unbeaten in three starts and could spring a surprise.
3.05 Royal Ascot – Inisherin and Elite Status in cracking Commonwealth Cup line-up
Kevin Ryan’s Inisherin proved a revelation when taking the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes on his first try at this six-furlong trip and a similar performance in the Commonwealth Cup would see him hard to beat under Tom Eaves.
Image: Inisherin heads for the Commonwealth Cup field
Karl Burke’s Elite Status built on his two-year-old form to comfortably land the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury on his return and looks a big each-way player under Clifford Lee.
Plenty of the others look to have chances, including emphatic Commonwealth Cup trial winner Jasour, while Starlust warrants respect after his York handicap success last month.
5.40 Royal Ascot – Diego Velazquez and Calandagan clash in King Edward
French runner Calandagan has scored at Group Three level on his last two starts and if able to handle this quicker surface, then he looks the one to beat in the King Edward VII Stakes for Francis-Henri Graffard and Stephane Pasquier.
Aidan O’Brien seeks a third success in this race as Diego Velazquez bids to bounce back from a couple of defeats in the French Classics with the step up in distance to 1m 4f expected to suit, while stablemate The Euphrates could ensure a strong pace.
Of the others, Space Legend takes a step up in class after his recent second at Goodwood, while Mondo Man finished a staying-on fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club last time and should finish closer with a sharper break.
Friday’s racecards | Latest Sky Bet odds
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday June 21.
He is only getting better. That was the message from Aidan O’Brien after Ryan Moore went past Frankie Dettori to become the most successful active rider at Royal Ascot.
Having equalled the decorated Italian’s tally when steering Auguste Rodin home in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes on Wednesday, the Ballydoyle number one wasted no time in passing his long-time weighing room colleague with a double on day three of the summer showpiece.
Fittingly, it was a ride that exemplified the 40-year-old’s skills in the saddle that brought up number 82, with his expert judgement of pace seeing him the first to breach the gap to runaway front-runner You Got To Me in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
He then showcased his strength to drive the lightly-raced filly Port Fairy home by a neck, having slogged it out with David O’Meara’s Lava Stream in the closing stages.
Moore didn’t have to wait long to increase his total to 83, with another masterclass of race management helping Kyprios to reclaim the Gold Cup crown.
There is not much his long-time boss O’Brien has not previously said about his main man, but the master of Ballydoyle amazingly believes the best of Moore could still be to come.
“It’s incredible – and at his age, Ryan must be 10 years younger than Frankie,” said O’Brien.
When asked if he can match the great Lester Piggott, who triumphed 116 times at the Royal meeting, O’Brien added: “Hopefully he will catch Lester.
“It’s incredible and Ryan has been riding for us a long time now you know. Every year he is getting better, which is incredible. He will definitely keep improving until he is 45.”
It was in the colours of Michael Tabor that Moore both matched Dettori’s tally on Wednesday and then surpassed it on day three and the co-owner was in no doubt about how important their retained rider is to the Coolmore operation.
Tabor said: “His record speaks for itself, they say he has passed Dettori and all records are there to be broken. On top of everything, he is also a nice guy, which is obviously so important.
“It’s great to have him on our side; it’s that he’s not opposing us, which is so important, if you get my drift.
“He’s not getting any worse, is he? He’s just riding at the top of his game and long may it continue.
“He’s riding work at Ballydoyle and is really into everything that goes on there. Aidan gets on with him and it is all about getting on with people. You can be really good at what you do but if you clash, it’s no good and that’s how life is, and they seem to get on really well.
“They are a winning partnership and long may it last. Ryan is at the top of his game and hopefully what is in his thoughts, we know he is going to retire one day, but hopefully it is many years away.”
The double also put Moore one ahead of James Doyle and Oisin Murphy in the week’s leading rider standings and despite now being right up there with the best of his contemporaries, the latter admits he can only dream of matching Moore’s accomplishments in the saddle.
Murphy said: “It’s quite extraordinary what Ryan has done and for a man nowhere near the end of his career to ride this many Royal Ascot winners and be associated with so many outstanding, world-class horses is something special. He’s the ultimate professional and I’m very pleased for him.
“We have a very honest sort of relationship and I’m very grateful for the communication we have. I aspire to one day win as many big races as him, but I know it’s probably not possible.”
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing this week.
Day three of Royal Ascot is upon us, and the Gold Cup takes centre stage in East Berkshire – live on Sky Sports Racing…
4.25 Royal Ascot – Star Stayers Kyprios and Gregory headline Gold Cup field
Aidan O’Brien has won this prestigious race a record eight times and Kyprios will be a warm order to add another success as he bids to regain his crown having won the race in 2022. The six-year-old has shown he is right back to his best in winning both starts this season and should take plenty of beating under Ryan Moore.
John and Thady Gosden’s Gregory claimed the Queen’s Vase at this meeting last year and rates the main danger as he heads up in distance under James Doyle.
Of the others, last year’s runner-up Coltrane took the Sagaro Stakes at this track last month and could be the each-way value for Andrew Balding and Oisín Murphy.
3.45 Royal Ascot – Unbeaten Diamond Rain bids for Ribblesdale glory
Diamond Rain – the Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Shamardal – has caught the eye in winning both starts to date, claiming an Ascot novice before taking the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes at Newbury and is fancied to step forward again as she tackles 12 furlongs for the first time.
Andrew Balding saddles Kalpana who has shown plenty of promise in her three starts including when chasing home Friendly Soul in a Listed heat at Newmarket last time.
You Got To Me saw off of Rubies Are Red and Danielle when landing the Oaks Trial at Lingfield, and that trio should be in the mix for the places.
2.30 Royal Ascot – Whistlejacket fancied for Norfolk success
Aidan O’Brien’s son of No Nay Never Whistlejacket built on his debut second behind Cowardofthecounty (who ran in the Coventry Stakes) to comfortably land the Listed First Flier Stakes and rates the one to beat under Ryan Moore.
Wathnan Racing look to have as strong hand with two runners. James Doyle takes the ride on Beverley winner Shareholder, who defied greenness to land the Two Year Old Trophy and must be feared especially if able to settle with the expected fast pace.
Archie Watson’s Aesterius made a winning debut when scoring at Bath last month and this £380,000 purchase must be taken seriously from stall 13.
Best of the rest
Tom Marquand dons the Royal colours aboard Gilded Water in the King George V Stakes, and will go to post alongside Poniros and Chantilly for a really intriguing Heritage Handicap. Qirat will be a popular runner for the Ralph Beckett team in the Britannia Stakes, but will do well to topple Volterra and Air Commander. King’s Gambit and First Look head the betting for the Hampton Court Stakes at 5.40, while English Oak is fancied a little while later at 6.15.
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing from 18-22 June.
In her latest exclusive update, our ambassador Hollie Doyle discusses her rides on Day Three of Royal Ascot on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Weather watch for Trueshan ahead of Gold Cup
It’s a familiar story for Trueshan as we watch the weather on the build-up to the Group One Gold Cup (4.25).
Racing fans know only too well that he needs at least good ground to perform to his best and I’m sure his devoted trainer Alan King won’t want to risk him on anything quicker.
I’ve been happy enough with his two runs this season following a second wind operation and feel he can build on his third in the Henry II Stakes at Sandown if conditions are in his favour.
Image: Trueshan and Hollie Doyle edge out Coltrane to win the Long Distance Cup at Ascot
It’s a strong renewal with Aidan O’Brien’s Kyprios well fancied to add to his win in the Gold Cup two years ago but I’m surprised that last year’s runner-up Coltrane is as big a price as he is.
Andrew Balding’s seven-year-old and Trueshan have fought out some tough battles and he’s a horse I always respect. He won first time up on home turf in the Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in May and goes on the quicker ground.
Spencer colt worth his place in Norfolk
I always enjoy riding for Newmarket trainer Richard Spencer and owner Phil Cunningham and I’m on their colt The Man in the Group Two Norfolk Stakes (2.30).
The Royal meeting’s been on the cards for him since he made a winning debut at Southwell in April when he overcame his greenness for Kieran Shoemark. By Mehmas, he comes from a good family and can hopefully run much better than his big odds suggest he will.
Aidan O’Brien’s hot favourite Whistlejacket, a son of No Nay Never, sets a demanding standard after beating subsequent Group winner Arizona Blaze in Listed company last time.
Trip ideal for King George partner
East India Dock looked a colt with a bright future when bolting up at Salisbury by nearly 10 lengths last month and ran well in better company at Doncaster last time.
James Fanshawe’s gelding is a lot higher in the weights in an ultra-tough handicap but has the credentials to run well in the King George V Stakes (3.05).
The drop back to 1m 4f looks ideal and I’m happy with my draw in stall one. Hopefully he copes with faster ground than he’s previously encountered.
Hills colt an ideal Britannia type
My Britannia Stakes (5.05) mount Cogitate is a colt I know well after winning on him on debut at Newbury last July and I’m looking forward to him at Ascot.
Image: Cogitate and Hollie Doyle on their way to winning at Newbury
Charles Hills’ son of Churchill has a nice profile for this race. He’s lightly raced and unexposed and was unlucky to bump into the exciting Night Raider over 7f at Southwell on his re-appearance.
He’s bred to appreciate 1m on a stiff track like this so I’m looking forward to a bold show from what could be a good draw in stall one.
Ground a concern for Billyjoh
It’s a step into the unknown for Mick Appleby’s Billyjoh in the closing cavalry charge, the Buckingham Palace Stakes (6.15).
He’s a solid and reliable sprinter who won over 6f at Ascot last season and has been unlucky a few times on sand and turf, but has never run over 7f.
A big field like this might suit him and I’m happy enough with my high draw in stall 19. My only concern is the likely fast ground as he’s a Mayson who has produced his best on going that doesn’t have the word ‘firm’ in it.
Diamond to sparkle in Ribblesdale
The Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes (3.45) is a mouth-watering highlight which looks at the mercy of Godolphin’s unbeaten filly Diamond Rain.
Image: Diamond Rain and William Buick after winning the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes at Newbury
She relished the step up in trip to win a Listed race at Newbury last time and, being out of 2011 Oaks winner Dancing Rain, promises to be even more at home over this 1m 4f.
The form of that race took a timely boost when the runner-up Ejaabiyah bolted up at Salisbury at the weekend so the hat-trick is definitely on the cards.
Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing this week.
