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| Staff Writer |
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Prague is increasingly likely to be supplemented for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes following his Group Two victory in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket on Friday.
Bought out of Aidan O'Brien's yard for 10,000 guineas as an unraced 3YO last October, the son of Galileo has made huge strides this season. Progressing from a debut victory at Sandown to a dominant display on the Rowley Mile, Prague has captured the attention of racing enthusiasts.
South African trainer Dylan Cunha reports his stable star to have taken those exertions in his stride. He's now eyeing a tilt at Group One glory on Qipco Champions Day at Ascot.
"He seems to have come out of the race in good form, nice and fresh and looks happy," Cunha said. "I think he's most likely to go for the QEII. There's been a bit of talk about the Breeders' Cup because he's got so much gate speed and so much speed, but I think the ground will be right for him in the QEII."
The confirmations are on Tuesday, and Cunha is leaning towards the QEII. "We'll know what stays in and what comes out and we can make a decision after that, but I'd say we're leaning towards that," he added.
Prague carries the colours of Cunha's Italian head lad Amedeo Dal Pos, who will need to stump up the required US$86,000 to add him to the QEII field.
Cunha believes the race will be beneficial for all involved. "I think it will be good for the horse, good for me and good for everyone," he said. "He's on the way up while other horses are maybe on the way down at this time of year and we know he will handle soft ground."
The Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes has a rich history of champions. Notable recent winners include Inspiral (2022), who went on to claim the Prix Jacques le Marois, and Palace Pier (2020), who secured multiple Group One victories including the St James's Palace Stakes and the Prix Jacques le Marois.
In the immediate aftermath of Prague's Newmarket triumph, Cunha revealed that connections had turned down offers for the colt, stating it would take "life-changing money" for him to be sold.
When asked about further bids since the weekend, Cunha remarked, "It's been very quiet, interestingly – I think I scared them off!"
As Prague continues his meteoric rise, all eyes will be on Ascot to see if this bargain buy can elevate himself to Group One glory. With his upward trajectory and proven ability to handle softer ground, the QEII Stakes could be the perfect stage for Prague to showcase his talents against the elite of European miling.