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The recent win of Meydaan in the British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood has set the stage for an exciting Royal Ascot event. Isle Of Jura's victory in the Listed William Hill Festival Stakes and other notable performances have added to the anticipation, with trainers expressing optimism and setting their sights on Royal Ascot.
Trainer Stuart Williams is preparing for the event with his prolific sprinter Quinault, who has shown remarkable performance this season. Heavens Gate, having secured a spot in Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Ascot squad with a victory at the Curragh, is set to make her debut. Additionally, Aesterius, trained by Archie Watson for Wathnan Racing, heads to Royal Ascot following an impressive victory, demonstrating great potential for the upcoming competition.
Harry Davies clinched his second Listed victory aboard Meydaan in the British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood last Saturday. Despite being a 7-2 chance, Meydaan secured a narrow win over Space Legend, boosting the form of Derby second favorite Ambiente Friendly.
Meydaan's successful run in the 1m3f contest followed a third-place finish in the Lingfield Derby Trial, proving his prowess in handling the Sussex undulations. This win marks Davies's most significant achievement for Simon and Ed Crisford since joining the Newmarket stable over the winter. Notably, last year's Cocked Hat winner, Gregory, went on to triumph in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, suggesting that Meydaan could be on a similar path to success.
Simon Crisford said, "Meydaan has been learning his trade as he's gone along this season and he deserved to get his head in front. He was in front soon enough and was looking around a bit but saw out the trip well. He has options at Royal Ascot, including the Queen's Vase, and we'll have a chat with connections."
Globetrotter Isle Of Jura triumphed in the Listed William Hill Festival Stakes at Goodwood and is now set to compete in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. The 4YO, previously successful in Bahrain, secured his fourth consecutive victory by half a length over Goodwood's mile and a quarter.
Trainer George Scott praised the horse's performance and expects an even better showing in the upcoming race. Saeed bin Suroor celebrated his second British season triumph with Wild Tiger, expressing optimism for the future despite reducing the number of horses in the yard. Jockey Robert Havlin also achieved success in various races, including a photo-finish victory aboard Ayyab.
Saffie Osborne sees potential in Red Sand as a Royal Ascot contender following an impressive win in the 6f novice.
Stuart Williams' Quinault, a 4YO sprint handicapper, is set for Royal Ascot after an impressive season. After triumphing in seven races last year and earning over US$2,29,464.90, Quinault returned this season off a career-high mark of 102.
Despite a challenging race at Newmarket, Williams plans to run him at Ascot in the Wokingham Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Williams is optimistic about Quinault's potential, having purposely given him a long break to rest and improve. With strong competition ahead, Williams believes Quinault is ready for the challenges in the upcoming races.
Heavens Gate secured a spot in Aidan O’Brien’s Royal Ascot squad by winning the opening race on Irish 1,000 Guineas day at the Curragh.
After narrowly missing victory on her debut at Navan, the daughter of Churchill, priced at 2-1, dominated the Trainor Stone And Tile Irish EBF Fillies Maiden. Under Ryan Moore's guidance, she surged ahead, leaving stablemate January trailing.
O’Brien praised Heavens Gate’s progress, considering her potential as an Albany filly. Meanwhile, Zaynab clinched victory in the QuinnBet Spring Fillies Handicap, showing promise for future races. Trainer Gordon Elliott hinted at redirecting her towards the Sandringham at Royal Ascot.
Archie Watson was relieved and thrilled as Aesterius, a US$4,84,596.90 purchase, secured his first win for owners Wathnan Racing. Under James Doyle's guidance, the colt raced professionally, dominating the field in the final furlong to win by two and three-quarter lengths.
Watson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train such a talented horse and looks forward to a Royal Ascot tilt.
He described Aesterius as a lovely, laid-back horse with great potential, considering races like the Norfolk or the Windsor Castle for the future, depending on the owners' preferences. "He'll only get quicker," Watson added, highlighting the horse's promising future.
Starlust showcased his Royal Ascot potential with a dominant victory in the 5f handicap, bouncing back from a disappointing run at Ascot previously.
The Group Three winner surged ahead under Rossa Ryan, winning by a clear two and a quarter lengths. Ryan praised the horse's ability and revealed the trainer's strategy to sharpen him up for Ascot. Starlust is owned by Jim and Fitri Hay. In another milestone, Rachael Blackmore secured her first British Flat win aboard Term Of Endearment in the Gr.3 Bronte Cup Fillies' Stakes, expressing her excitement and learning experience in these races on Racing TV.
Royal Rhyme's return in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown showcased his potential, with future plans hinging on ground conditions. Trained by Karl Burke, the 4YO previously excelled in handicap races at Goodwood and claimed a Listed prize at Ayr. Following his fifth-place finish at Ascot's Qipco Champion Stakes, the Lope De Vega colt effortlessly triumphed in a Group Three race, ridden by Clifford Lee. While holding an entry in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, participation depends on ground conditions.