 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Three Classic winners from different shores are converging on Royal Ascot's opening day, setting up a blockbuster confrontation in the St James's Palace Stakes that promises to deliver one of the season's most compelling contests.
Field Of Gold leads the charge for trainers John and Thady Gosden after his commanding victory in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas at the Curragh last month. The Juddmonte colt had previously finished half a length behind Ruling Court in the British equivalent at Newmarket in early May, before Henri Matisse struck at Longchamp a week later in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.
The French challenger edged out Andrew Balding's Jonquil by just a neck in that Parisian triumph, with both horses now confirmed among eleven entries for the US$812,500 contest. Henri Matisse could be joined by stablemates Officer and First Wave from the Ballydoyle camp.
Godolphin's representation includes Heron Stakes winner Opera Ballo and Guineas third Shadow Of Light, both standing their ground for the powerful operation.
Richard Hannon has withdrawn his sole entry King Of Cities from the St James's Palace Stakes but remains well positioned in Royal Ascot's opening Group One contest through Rosallion in the Queen Anne Stakes. The
4YO seeks redemption following his first defeat in over a year when third in the Lockinge Stakes.
Ten confirmations include Lead Artist and Dancing Gemini, who finished ahead of Rosallion in that Newbury contest. The race gains significant international appeal through the inclusion of supplementary entry Carl Spackler, a Grade One winner from the United States who will compete in Britain before relocating to Australia under Ciaron Maher's guidance.
Australia's Asfoora spearheads a strong international contingent in the King Charles III Stakes, attempting to secure consecutive victories in the five-furlong sprint. The 6YO faces potential opposition from last year's second and fourth Regional and Believing among 25 possible rivals.
Recent Listed winner Bucanero Fuerte and Jane Chapple-Hyam's Prime Art have been supplemented for the contest, adding further depth to an already competitive field.
Postmodern emerges as a leading contender for the Coventry Stakes after his dazzling debut success at Yarmouth under Jamie Spencer. The Hamad Al Jehani trained colt represents Wathnan Racing's ambitions alongside Underwriter and Naval Light among 33 entries for the Group Two contest.
Charlie Appleby could secure his first Coventry Stakes victory through dual winner Military Code or Wise Approach, though stable companion Treanmor was notably absent from the entry list despite previous expectations.
The Listed Wolferton Stakes attracted 30 entries, with Shadwell represented by Enfjaar following last year's success with Israr. Previous runner-up Haunted Dream returns alongside Qatari representative Aafoor, who disappointed in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes on his latest appearance.
Both the Ascot Stakes and Copper Horse Stakes generated substantial interest with 49 and 47 possible runners respectively. Jump racing specialists Paul Nicholls, Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott feature among trainers targeting these competitive handicap events, demonstrating the broad appeal of Royal Ascot's varied programme across racing disciplines.