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Crimson Advocate is set to join John and Thady Gosden as she aims for back-to-back victories at Royal Ascot later this month. This talented daughter of Nyquist secured a thrilling win in the Queen Mary Stakes in 2023 under American handler George Weaver. Now, she is on track for the King Charles III Stakes, which will take place on the opening day of the Royal meeting.
Despite a defeat by Ascot rival Big Evs at the Breeders’ Cup, she is geared up to challenge Mick Appleby’s star sprinter once again at Berkshire.
With aspirations to replicate Wesley Ward’s Lady Aurelia by achieving the same double, Crimson Advocate will be representing the Qatar-based owners Wathnan Racing at Ascot. After completing her final preparations in the U.S. with a victory in Gulfstream’s Roar Stakes last month, she will soon make her way to her new Newmarket home.
Wathnan’s US representative Case Clay said: “So much credit goes to George Weaver for what he has done with the filly so far, even training her up to going to England. But once we get to England, it sure is nice to be involved with John and Thady.
“She had her final breeze on Saturday morning at Keeneland in preparation for the King Charles III and she is going to fly to England on June 11.
“Royal Ascot is the top tier of racing and she proved herself worthy last year for connections, so hopefully she can do what Lady Aurelia did when she won the King’s Stand as a 3YO filly.”
Wathnan Racing, after relocating Crimson Advocate to Clarehaven from the States, is optimistic about her potential to make an impact on the European sprinting scene in the upcoming summer races, including the Nunthorpe later in the season.
“There are more important five-furlong sprints in England in the summer and fall than there are in America,” continued Clay. “So, whether that is the Nunthorpe or the King George (at Goodwood), there is just more of them over there, so we thought let’s keep her over there for a little while and see what unfolds.”
Native American, owned by Wathnan Racing, will compete in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot after finishing second in the Surrey Stakes. This son of Sioux Nation had a successful juvenile career, winning a valuable sales race at the Curragh and competing in Group One company on Arc day.
Despite a less impressive performance in the Feilden Stakes, Richard Fahey is optimistic about his chances at Ascot.
After a less-than-stellar performance in the Feilden Stakes, Native American found his form again at Epsom, finishing strong in a Listed event and nearly besting Evade in a thrilling finish.
Trainer Richard Fahey is confident about Native American's chances at the stiffer straight track of Ascot and believes that the horse has earned its place in the Royal Meeting lineup.
“I was delighted with his run at Epsom because his first run of the season was disappointing,” said Fahey.
“We stepped him back in trip and he is a long-striding horse who is quicker than you think. His work was good at home and it was just nice to see him run well.
“He will go for the Jersey and I think the stiff seven at Ascot will suit us.
“Evade is more of a pacey horse whereas we grind it a bit. He looked like he was going to beat us two lengths, but we fought back and a stiff seven at Ascot will suit our horse really well.”