Preview: Gr.2. Duke of Cambridge Stakes 2021 (Preview, Full Runners' List & 2020 Race Video)

It has been 27 years since trainer William Jarvis last enjoyed success at Royal Ascot when Grand Lodge captured the Gr.1 St. James's Palace Stakes (1994). There was a lot to like about Lady Bowthorpe after watching her pull clear of her rivals finishing runner-up to Palace Pier in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last month. Without the added pressure of a Palace Pier, she is looking good to win against her own sex.

While the Lockinge career-best was the 13th start of the Emma Banks-owned filly's career, the evidence from 2021 suggests she has been a slow-burner and has made significant improvement this year. Banks is a leading agent in the music industry and would be deeply thrilled along with the filly's numerous fans with a Royal Ascot win. 

Queen Power and Lavender's Blue, the pair who chased her home at newmarket the time before, should again give a good account. The former is officially rated four pounds inferior to Lady Bowthorpe, having been one pound behind her big rival when they clashed at Newmarket last month.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained mare only went down by a head, but the way in which Lady Bowthorpe travelled into the race suggests she is value for more than the official margin.

"She ran well in this race last year and is coming off the back of an impressive performance where it was good to see her relax better," said Alastair Donald, racing manager for King Power Racing, the owners of Queen Power. "Everything looks right and I would say we were maybe caught for fitness a little bit when Lady Bowthorpe beat us at Newmarket. That said, she's still the one to beat."

Double Or Bubble is another progressive filly. She has won 2 from 2 last season and completed a hat-trick in handicap at Newmarket on return. From an in-form stable, her recent wins have been in handicap company, so she will be going up in class and distance. Will need really fast ground to prove her mettle.