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The summer's most prestigious racing festival approaches with an exceptional array of talent assembled for five days of world-class competition. From established champions to emerging stars, the meeting promises to deliver memorable moments across eight Group One contests and numerous supporting features.
Television coverage begins each morning with the Opening Show before live action commences at 1.30pm on ITV's main channel. The first six races receive comprehensive coverage before switching to ITV4 for concluding events. Racing Post website and app users can stream all races through bookmaker account access.
The festival launches with three Group One contests highlighting Tuesday's card. Asfoora previously captured the King Charles III Stakes from Regional and Big Evs demonstrating the competitive nature ahead. The Queen Anne Stakes presents a fascinating rematch featuring Rosallion, Lead Artist, Dancing Gemini and Notable Speech after their memorable Lockinge Stakes encounter at Newbury. These quartet filled the frame that day and occupy the leading market positions once again.
Rosallion returns as defending St James's Palace winner whilst Lead Artist and Dancing Gemini have already clashed earlier this season. Notable Speech seeks improvement on his fourth-place Lockinge finish. Sardinian Warrior, Lake Forest and Diego Velazquez represent top trainer Aidan O'Brien's challenge to disrupt their dominance.
The St James's Palace Stakes showcases Field Of Gold as the season's most impressive talent. Following drama surrounding jockey Kieran Shoemark's ride in the 2,000 Guineas and his outstanding Irish 2000 Guineas performance, the Juddmonte colt appears destined for greatness. Jockey Colin Keane barely moved at the Curragh as Field Of Gold demolished rivals with explosive acceleration through the final two furlongs.
A compelling rematch awaits with 2,000 Guineas conqueror Ruling Court after Godolphin's star missed Derby participation. This encounter could determine whether Shoemark and jockey William Buick's riding tactics truly influenced their Newmarket battle.
The Gr.2 Coventry Stakes exclusively for 2YO colts promises future stars whilst competitive handicaps the Ascot Stakes and Copper Horse Stakes offer opportunities for outsiders seeking big-priced victories.
Wednesday's single Gr.1 contest, the Prince of Wales's Stakes, promises summer spectacular entertainment if current entries maintain participation. Los Angeles and Anmaat could renew their thrilling Tattersalls Gold Cup duel where Los Angeles prevailed by half a length. Almaqam enters calculations after impressive Brigadier Gerard Stakes success though trainer Ed Walker requires softer ground conditions.
Los Angeles emerges as the standout performer. The Aidan O'Brien trained colt, likely partnered by Ryan Moore, demonstrated genuine determination when repelling Anmaat last time. Moore timed his challenge perfectly whilst Los Angeles relished the battle to the finish. Similar tactical warfare at Royal Ascot could produce another memorable victory.
Supporting Group Two action includes the Queen Mary Stakes for speedy 2YO fillies, Queen's Vase won previously by Gold Cup contender Illinois, and the Duke of Cambridge Stakes restricted to older fillies and mares.
The notorious Royal Hunt Cup handicap continues its tradition of surprise winners alongside the Kensington Palace Stakes for fillies and the lightning-fast Windsor Castle Stakes for juveniles.
Thursday's centrepiece mourns superstar stayer Kyprios's retirement whilst crowning a new staying champion. The Gr.1 Gold Cup over two miles four furlongs represents flat racing's ultimate stamina examination, contested since 1807 and won by legendary stayers including four-time winner Yeats, triple champion Stradivarius and dual victor Kyprios.
Illinois, trained by nine-time Gold Cup winning handler Aiden O'Brien, heads market calculations. Godolphin's Trawlerman, runner-up last year, brings strong credentials alongside French challenger Candelari. Trainer Willie Mullins introduces Absurde, a previous champion seeking additional major honours.
Trawlerman harbours unfinished business after pushing Kyprios within a length last year without facing that formidable rival this time. The trainer John and Thady Gosden trained stayer holds distinction as the last horse defeating Kyprios and connections maintain high expectations. His Dubai disappointment receives easy forgiveness following his Henry II Stakes triumph at Sandown last month confirming his return to peak condition.
The Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes opens proceedings as a blistering five-furlong sprint for 2YOs noted for major upsets including 50-1 and 150-1 winners recently. The Ribblesdale Stakes provides additional Group Two action whilst the Hampton Court Stakes adds Group Three quality.
Two Group One contests dominate Friday's programme with the Commonwealth Cup and Coronation Stakes supported by the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes and Gr.3 Albany Stakes. Three competitive handicaps complete the card.
The Commonwealth Cup over six furlongs for 3YOs promises exceptional entertainment. Trainer Charlie Appleby's Shadow Of Light, third behind stablemate Ruling Court in the 2,000 Guineas, could benefit from trip reduction having captured the Gr.1 Middle Park over this distance previously. Babouche and Whistlejacket follow in market calculations after their two previous encounters where Babouche emerged victorious both times.
Zarigana dominates Coronation Stakes calculations, particularly following Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Lake Victoria's withdrawal. Zarigana received the French 1,000 Guineas through stewards' intervention after finishing second to She's Perfect before result reversal. Her debut marks her first venture outside France having won four from five career starts.
The final day maintains exceptional standards with the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs for older horses. Recent editions witnessed surprise victories by Khaadem including a stunning triumph in 2023.
Exciting French sprinter Lazzat, recently acquired by Wathnan Racing, leads market expectations. Trained by Jerome Reynier, the colt makes his British debut after winning his first six starts including a devastating three-length Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest romp at Deauville. International defeats in Australia, Hong Kong and Saint Cloud occurred over a mile where he appears less effective compared to sprinting excellence.
The Gr.2 Hardwicke Stakes and Gr.3 Jersey Stakes provide quality support before three handicaps conclude the festival including the Queen Alexandra Stakes often attracting leading jumps stable representatives.
This exceptional gathering promises to crown new champions whilst establishing future stars across five unforgettable days of world-class racing entertainment.