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| Staff Writer |
The curtain falls on Royal Ascot's opening day with a competitive staying handicap attracting quality performers seeking glory in this extended-distance examination of stamina and class over one mile six furlongs.
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French Master heads the challenge for John and Thady Gosden with James Doyle taking the reins. Having finished second at Newmarket before relishing the step up in trip when winning at Goodwood, the gelding overcame trouble in running that day and could offer more sporting first-time blinkers.
Willie Mullins, claiming the previous two renewals, saddles Charlus with Ryan Moore aboard. Despite struggling in the Gr.1 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, the horse presents intrigue returning to the flat after that setback.
Caballo De Mar represents George Scott with Callum Shepherd riding, arriving as something of a winning machine having captured six of his last seven starts and demanding serious consideration in this competitive renewal.
Endless Victory carries Charlie Appleby's colours with William Buick, while Samui brings Gordon Elliott's Irish expertise with Colin Keane taking the mount in this stamina-sapping contest.
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Lavender Hill Mob makes appeal for James Owen with Cieren Fallon, whilst the supporting cast includes Prydwen (George Scott/Hector Crouch), Fairbanks (William Durkan/Chris Hayes), Crypto Force (Adrian Murray/David Egan), Real Dream (Ian Williams/David Probert), Barnso (Miss Natalia Lupini/Oisin Murphy), Loughville (Alan King/Rossa Ryan), My Mate Mozzie (Gavin Cromwell/Warren Fentiman), Champagne Prince (Jane Chapple-Hyam/Billy Loughnane), Jesse Evans (Noel Meade/Oisin Orr), and Aeronautic (Joseph Patrick O'Brien).
This staying handicap provides the perfect conclusion to an exceptional opening day, reflecting Royal Ascot's global appeal and championship-level competition across all distance categories with US$71,000 going to the winner.