Hawk Wing tough on opening day

Hawk Wing, an 11-length winner of the Lockinge Stakes in his 4-year-old debut last month, will be difficult to beat over the straight mile of the $418,000 Queen Anne Stakes Tuesday, opening day of Royal Ascot's prestigious five-day meet.

Four times a runner-up in Group 1 company last year, the Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Woodman ran a perfect race at Newbury, giving Queen Elizabeth II winner Where or When no chance. It was another nine lengths back to Breeders' Cup Mile winner Domedriver in fourth, making the form of the Lockinge solid.

Hawk Wing's preferred distance now seems to be one mile, but he may face a tougher challenge in the Queen Anne, which sports Group 1 status for the first time. Where or When will return there, but there may be a bigger danger in the revived Dubai Destination.

Dubai Destination, a Godophin-owned 4-year-old son of Kingmambo, ran only once last year, finishing second in a listed race at Goodwood. A leg injury kept him out of action until he returned to take a Nottingham allowance race by six lengths June 4. If he has recaptured the form with which he beat Rock of Gibraltar in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes two years ago, he can spring an upset.

Victory Moon, winner of the UAE Derby going 1 1/4 miles on dirt, tries one mile on turf. Anything his brilliant South African trainer Mike de Kock sends out must be considered, as must Group 2 Sandown Mile winner Desert Deer.

The $450,000 Group 1 St. James's Palace Stakes for 3-year-old colts on Ascot's right-handed mile course, has drawn the winners of three European 2000 Guineas.

Andre Fabre, always a threat at the Royal Meeting, will saddle his unbeaten French 2000 Guineas winner Clodovil. A Danehill colt, Clodovil rates an edge over Indian Haven, a one-length winner of the Irish 2000 from France.

Hold That Tiger has much to prove following his 17th-place finish in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Martillo, the Rolf Suerland-trained son of Anabaa, won the Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen, or German 2000 Guineas, by six lengths May 18 at Mulheim, and cannot be overlooked.

The favorite, however, will be the Michael Stoute-trained Kalaman. A half-brother to Breeders' Cup Turf winner Kalanisi, Kalaman improved to win a listed mile race in his last start, but may not be ready to turn back Clodovil.

Gary Stevens has picked up the mount on Elusive City in the $235,000 Group 2 King's Stand Stakes at five furlongs. Defending champ Dominica and Group 1 winner Malhub are threats, but the winner could be one of three David Nicholls-trained speedsters - Continent, Captain Rio, or Bahamian Pirate.

Morluc arrives for Golden Jubilee

MSorluc, who will run in Saturday's Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at six furlongs, arrived safely at Geoff Wragg's yard in Newmarket Saturday.

The Randy Morse-trained Morluc is expected to workout on Monday or Tuesday.