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| Staff Writer |
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The stage is being set for a memorable second day at Royal Ascot, with Los Angeles and Anmaat spearheading a high-class field for the Prince of Wales's Stakes. The pair, who produced a scintillating finish to the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month, are among nine of the 17 remaining entries confirmed for the US$1.8 million Group One contest.
Trainer Andrew Balding and owner Jeff Smith have added significant intrigue by supplementing See The Fire for US$126,000 following her devastating 12-length victory in the Middleton Stakes at York. The filly's commanding performance has elevated expectations ahead of her Group One debut.
Almaqam, despite his impressive Brigadier Gerard Stakes victory at Sandown, was notably absent from the confirmations, though Ombudsman, whom he defeated that day, remains on course for trainer John Gosden and Thady Gosden. French challenger Map Of Stars represents Francis Graffard and Wathnan Racing, whilst Facteur Cheval will attempt the 1m2f trip for the first time under American jockey Flavien Prat.
Aidan O'Brien maintains a strong hand with both Los Angeles and Continuous still engaged, though star fillies Kalpana and Tamfana have been withdrawn alongside Economics. Jack Channon's Certain Lad, Karl Burke's Royal Champion and John Joseph Murphy's White Birch complete the confirmations.
Wathnan Racing are positioning themselves for another Queen Mary Stakes triumph, with last year's winning trainer Karl Burke saddling current market leader Zelaina. The operation could also field Shine On Me from Archie Watson's stable, creating multiple strings to their bow in the Group Two sprint.
American-trained juveniles have enjoyed considerable success in this contest, with Crimson Advocate's 2023 victory continuing a proud tradition. Veteran French trainer Patrick Biancone, who captured the Arc with Sagace in 1984, has entered Lennilu following her impressive Gulfstream Park success. Runner-up Bibi Dahl could represent Amo Racing and Jorge Delgado.
Al Wasl Storm and Nightwalker have been given the option of a quick reappearance in the Queen's Vase over 1m6f, with Juddmonte's retained rider Colin Keane currently associated with the latter. The Juddmonte operation also holds an entry with Ralph Beckett's Pinhole.
O'Brien, sharing the race record of eight wins with the late Sir Henry Cecil, has entered Scandanavia and Shackleton as he seeks to extend his remarkable tally.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes for older fillies and mares has attracted defending champion Running Lion from the John Gosden and Thady Gosden partnership. The Clarehaven team have also entered 2023 Queen Mary heroine Crimson Advocate and Rainbows Edge, carrying the royal colours.
Elmalka and Fallen Angel, winners of the Newmarket and Curragh 1,000 Guineas respectively last season, add international flavour, whilst Soprano's 2024 Sandringham Stakes success over the same course and distance provides solid credentials.
The Royal Hunt Cup field remains competitive, with Roger Varian's My Cloud moving to number 34 on the entry list. Market-mover The Liffey was confirmed alongside Volterra, Shukuza, Bullet Point and Roi De France, all guaranteed runners should connections proceed.