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| Staff Writer |
The afternoon's centerpiece features the Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes over one and a quarter miles, attracting a stellar international field of nine runners with US$1.3 million in prize money at stake.
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The headline story centres on the fascinating rematch between Los Angeles and Anmaat, separated by just half a length in the Tattersall Gold Cup at the Curragh last month. Los Angeles enters following that narrow victory and a perfect two-from-two record this season, including his comeback success in the Mooresbridge Stakes. Aidan O'Brien's Camelot colt appears on an upward trajectory, with his breeding suggesting the mile-and-a-quarter distance should prove ideal.
Anmaat was making his seasonal reappearance in that Curragh contest and should strip significantly fitter for Owen Burrows. The son of Awtaad returns to Ascot where he captured the Champion Stakes in October, a race in which Los Angeles could manage only ninth of eleven. That form turnaround suggests these two are closely matched on their best form.
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The most intriguing runner may be See The Fire, supplemented for US$91,000 following her spectacular 12-length demolition job in the Middleton Stakes at York. Andrew Balding's 4YO has always threatened to compete at this level, and that emphatic display suggests she may have finally put it all together.
Facteur Cheval represents French hopes under Flavien Prat, who has made the specific journey from America for this ride. This Ribchester colt tackles one and a quarter miles for the first time but brings progressive form. Map Of Stars provides additional French representation for Francis Graffard with James Doyle committed.
Ombudsman carries Gosden colours with William Buick aboard, whilst Continuous adds Japanese interest for O'Brien. Royal Champion completes O'Brien's trio under Clifford Lee, with Certain Lad representing Jack Channon's stable completing what promises to be a memorable Group One contest.