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| Staff Writer |
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Prague has been supplemented for Saturday's Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown with Charyn. Trainer Dylan Cunha is hopeful his bargain purchase can continue its remarkable rise through the ranks.
The former Ballydoyle inmate, acquired for a mere 10,000 guineas as an unraced colt, has enjoyed a meteoric rise. Sporting the colours of Amedeo Dal Pos, a stable lad for Cunha, Prague stunned observers with a 40-1 debut victory. Four races later, the colt claimed Group Two honours in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket.
Connections are now aiming for the stars on Qipco British Champions Day, with soft ground guaranteed at Ascot. Cunha, speaking from his Newmarket base, said: "He won on soft ground last time when he took the Joel Stakes really well. He worked on Saturday morning, he worked nicely and he's come out of it really well and he's going to get his ground. We all felt it was worth having a go."
The South African handler, already a Group One-winning trainer in his native country, added: "When you look at official ratings, he's now only 5lb below Charyn. We know he will have to improve a lot to beat Charyn, but he's definitely in great form, so we have to go for it. When a horse like him is on such a steep curve, especially at this time of year, you might never get one in this form again, so we're going in with a good chance."
Cunha's optimism is evident as he concludes: "We're fairly confident he'll run well, we've spent the money, so it is written in the stars now, we've done our bit!"
Roger Varian's Charyn has been the standout miler this season, claiming victories in the Queen Anne Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois. The consistent performer heads a potential field of 16 for the US$1.23 million (£1 million) contest.
David Menuisier has two fillies engaged: impressive Sun Chariot Stakes winner Tamfana and Sirona. John and Thady Gosden's Nashwa also holds an entry, while last year's runner-up Facteur Cheval returns for another tilt at the prize.
Aidan O'Brien has left in two 3YOs, Diego Velazquez and Henry Longfellow, as he seeks a third victory in the race. The Ballydoyle maestro previously tasted success with Rip Van Winkle (2009) and Minding (2016).
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes boasts an illustrious roll of honour, with recent winners including the mighty Frankel (2011) and the globe-trotting superstar Baaeed (2021). Other notable victors include Brigadier Gerard (1971, 1972), Giant's Causeway (2000), and Solow (2015).
As the excitement builds for this year's renewal, all eyes will be on Prague as he attempts to complete his rags-to-riches story against some of Europe's finest milers.