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| Staff Writer |
Los Angeles and Anmaat renew their epic rivalry in Wednesday's Prince of Wales's Stakes, the jewel in Royal Ascot's second-day crown, as the Tattersalls Gold Cup one-two prepare for a rematch that promises to light up the Berkshire turf. Their thrilling half-length tussle at the Curragh last month left racing fans craving more, and they'll get their wish in this US$880,000 Group One showpiece that headlines a magnificent seven-race card combining the sport's biggest names with emerging stars across every division.
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Zelaina heads the Queen Mary challenge for Karl Burke, who is seeking a third victory in this race within four years following previous successes. The Wathnan Racing-owned daughter of Mehmas has been generating significant buzz throughout the build-up, having impressed in winning the same Nottingham maiden that produced last year's winner. Burke's exceptional record with juveniles this season, combined with James Doyle's retained ride, makes her the standout contender.
Lennilu represents a formidable American challenge for veteran trainer Patrick Biancone, whose illustrious CV includes Arc success with Sagace in 1984. The filly's impressive victory in the win-and-you're-in Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Gulfstream Park demonstrates the class that has made US raiders so successful in this contest.
True Love adds further intrigue to the international contingent, while Society Kiss brings solid domestic form under Hector Crouch. Shine On Me provides additional Wathnan Racing representation with James McDonald aboard, the Australian champion jockey making his Royal Ascot debut.
Cardiff By The Sea represents Oisin Murphy's hopes in this competitive affair, while Justice Twice gives Hollie Doyle an excellent opportunity aboard what appears a progressive type. The depth of quality extends throughout the field, with Eternal Solace, Social Exclusion, and Flowerhead all carrying legitimate claims in what promises to be a thrilling opener to the meeting.
The Gr.2 Queen's Vase is presenting a thorough examination over one and three-quarter miles for 3YOs, with several Derby participants being given the option of a quick turnaround. This Group Two contest has historically served as a key pointer toward autumn staying targets and often produces future St Leger contenders.
Scandinavia is heading Aidan O'Brien's dual challenge, with the trainer sharing the record of eight wins in this race alongside the late Sir Henry Cecil. This Justify colt out of a Galileo mare is possessing the ideal pedigage for this staying test, with his breeding being specifically designed for middle-distance excellence. The combination with Wayne Lordan is suggesting this is the stable's primary hope.
Shackleton is providing O'Brien with a second string to his bow, this Camelot colt having shown progressive form and carrying the experience of Ryan Moore. The stable's remarkable record at Royal Ascot, particularly in staying contests, is demanding maximum respect for both runners.
Devil's Advocate is representing the powerful Gosden operation with William Buick aboard. This Too Darn Hot colt should be relishing the step up in trip and is carrying the backing of connections who are understanding what it takes to win at this level. The breeding is suggesting significant improvement awaits as he tackles longer distances.
Pinhole is bringing strong credentials as a Frankel colt for Roger Beckett with Colin Keane committed to the ride. The pedigree is screaming quality, and this is representing an ideal opportunity for the colt to announce himself at Group level.
French interest is coming via Asmarani for Fabrice Graffard, whose international raiders have proven increasingly effective at Royal Ascot. This Sottsass colt shouldn't be underestimated despite facing his toughest assignment to date, with Mickael Barzalona taking the ride.
Furthur is adding depth for Andrew Balding with Oisin Murphy aboard, while Rahiebb is representing Roger Varian's stable under Silvestre de Sousa. The competitive nature is ensuring multiple viable winning chances throughout the field.
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Fallen Angel leads a high-quality field of eight for trainer Karl Burke in the Gr.2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes, carrying the hopes of connections after her brilliant Irish 1,000 Guineas success. The daughter of Too Darn Hot brings outstanding credentials to this US$159,000 contest, having finished a narrow second to Porta Fortuna in the Gr.1 Matron Stakes last season.
Burke's filly disappointed when returning in the Lockinge Stakes but that effort can be excused as a needed run against colts and geldings. Stripped much fitter and wearing first-time cheekpieces, she presents the most compelling challenge under James Doyle's expert handling.
Running Lion attempts repeating her 2024 triumph for the John Gosden stable, with Oisin Murphy recreating the partnership that delivered such memorable front-running success twelve months ago. The daughter of Roaring Lion thrives at this venue and distance, making her a logical choice given her proven course form.
Crimson Advocate brings American credentials for Gosden with champion jockey James McDonald making the journey specifically for this ride. This Nyquist filly has shown high-class form stateside, representing a shrewd international raid from the Clarehaven team.
Cinderella's Dream carries Charlie Appleby's powerful colours under William Buick, shouldering a 3lb penalty for her Dahlia Stakes victory but possessing sufficient class to overcome that burden. Appleby's exceptional record with fillies at this meeting, combined with Buick's tactical expertise, creates a formidable combination.
Elmalka provides Roger Varian with live claims under Silvestre de Sousa, this Kingman filly having demonstrated consistent Group-class ability throughout her career. One Look represents Irish hopes for Paddy Twomey with Billy Lee aboard, while Soprano carries George Boughey's colours under Billy Loughnane.
Start Of Day completes the field for Christophe Head with Aurelien Lemaitre taking the ride, adding French representation to this fascinating international contest.
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.
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.
See The Fire provides the most intriguing element, 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.
The Royal Hunt Cup maintains its reputation as one of the week's most competitive handicaps, with 33 runners declared for this heritage contest over the straight mile. Urban Lion has earned his place through recent Sandown success, where Jack Channon's 4YO secured the necessary penalty with a commanding two-length victory.
Greatrex reported the gelding "did it really smooth" and "pricked his ears when hitting the front," suggesting plenty in reserve. Having been specifically trained for this target since his narrow Spring Cup defeat at Newbury, the Zoustar colt represents excellent value following his recent form improvement.
My Cloud represents Roger Varian despite sitting precariously at number 34 on the entry list. This Blue Point colt brings consistent form and represents a stable in excellent form, with Silvestre de Sousa taking the ride.
The Liffey brings O'Brien representation with Ryan Moore committed, a combination that always warrants serious consideration in competitive handicaps. This No Nay Never colt carries the pedigree and connections to make a bold bid.
Bullet Point appears well-handicapped for William Haggas with Tom Marquand taking the ride. This Advertise colt has shown progressive form and represents a trainer with an excellent record in these competitive affairs.
Qirat provides Roger Beckett with a live contender under Colin Keane, while Ancient Rome brings American bloodlines for Charlie Hills. Silawi represents the powerful Al Jehani operation with James Doyle aboard, this Dubawi colt carrying strong stable backing.
Talis Evolvere looks progressive for Richard Hannon under Sean Levey, while Fox Legacy gives Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy a live chance. Magnum Opus adds depth for the Crisford stable, and Blue Brother brings French form that could translate effectively.
The international theme continues with several overseas raiders, while domestic hopes include Epictetus, Tony Montana, and Greek Order among numerous others carrying legitimate claims in this ultra-competitive heritage handicap.
The Kensington Palace Stakes presents a fascinating handicap challenge with Arolla representing trainer Harry Charlton alongside jockey Colin Keane. This Kingman filly brings solid recent form into the straight mile contest worth US$70,867.
Rose Prick appears progressive for Ed Walker with Tom Marquand taking the ride, whilst Miss Information carries the colours for Andrew Balding with Oisin Murphy committed to the cause.
Francophone brings continental flavour under Christophe Soumillon's guidance, adding international intrigue to proceedings. Ambiente Amigo provides James Owen with a genuine chance in the competitive field.
Thelma's Angel represents Gavin Tutty with Rossa Ryan taking the reins, while Sky Safari gives John Fanshawe a solid contender under Saffie Osborne's handling.
The large field of 24 declared runners ensures tactical positioning becomes paramount over the straight mile, with careful pace judgement likely proving decisive in determining the outcome.
Rainbows Edge was withdrawn from declarations, removing one potential threat from the equation and opening opportunities for the remaining contenders to capitalise.
The Windsor Castle Stakes provides the finale, a Listed contest for 2YOs over five furlongs featuring 24 runners. This traditional closer often produces future Group One performers, providing a fitting climax to an exceptional programme.
First Approach represents Aidan O'Brien's hopes with Wayne Lordan aboard, this No Nay Never colt possessing the ideal profile for this type of contest. Kansas provides O'Brien with a second string via Ryan Moore, this Wootton Bassett colt carrying the significant booking of the stable's number one rider.
Tough Critic brings American credentials with Flavien Prat making the journey specifically for this ride. This Caravaggio colt trained by George Weaver could represent a significant transatlantic challenge in the competitive field.
Ardisia looks progressive for Hugo Palmer with Oisin Murphy committed, whilst Old Is Gold represents Andrew Balding's powerful juvenile team under James Doyle. Kamakameleon provides an interesting runner by Kameko for Dylan Cunha with Tom Marquand aboard.
Logi Bear carries the hopes of Richard Hannon under Sean Levey, whilst Jan Steen represents Karl Burke with David Egan taking the ride. Dickensian adds further depth under Kieran Shoemark in this competitive finale.
The large field ensures position and luck in running will prove crucial, with tactical expertise likely determining the outcome of this thrilling conclusion to an exceptional programme.
Wednesday's seven-race spectacular epitomises everything that makes Royal Ascot the sport's ultimate stage - world-class Group 1 action, fiercely competitive heritage handicaps, and the next generation of stars taking their first steps towards greatness. From Aidan O'Brien's dual assault on the Queen's Vase through to the tactical minefield of the Royal Hunt Cup's 33-runner cavalry charge, every race tells a story of ambition, class, and the relentless pursuit of racing immortality.
The global cast assembled for this US$3.8 million bonanza - featuring American raiders, French challengers, and the cream of British and Irish talent - underlines Royal Ascot's magnetic pull on the sport's biggest players. Whether it's established champions like Los Angeles seeking to cement their reputations or emerging talents eyeing breakthrough victories, Wednesday's card promises the kind of drama that transforms good horses into legends and turns punters' dreams into reality.