The fierce challenge from across the Channel features Coronation Stakes favourite Zarigana, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee market leader Lazzat plus Gold Cup contender Candelari.
By Liz Price
Last year, 23 French raiders ran at Royal Ascot. Many of them came with great ambitions, like Facteur Cheval who was hoping to give Charyn a run for the money in the Queen Anne Stakes, but who ended up running no race at all after losing a shoe and being isolated on the far side where he raced far too keenly.
When France’s leading trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, ran Mandanaba in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, surely he hoped to win France’s 1000 Guineas. But the Pouliches also served as a means to an end, and that end comes Sunday at Chantilly in the Prix de Diane.
The Master of Ballydoyle, who is the all-time leading trainer at Royal Ascot, will have another abundance of talent on display over the five days of prestigious event.
Royal Ascot has always been a focus point for Aidan O’Brien, and it is a meeting where he has enjoyed a great amount of success. He overtook Sir Michael Stoute as the most successful trainer in the long history of the meeting last year with his record now standing at 91 winners.
By Leo Schlink
Frankie Lor hopes Bottomuptogether can take a significant step towards Group company when the talented sprinter contests the HK$2.84 million Class 2 HKU Business School And Faculty Of Engineering Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday (14 June).
With five wins and five minor placings from 12 starts, the Shamus Award gelding has risen in the ratings to 102 and chases a third course and distance victory under Zac Purton this weekend when the pair faces a quality line-up of speedsters.
Tom Collins has flagged up five fascinating contenders to keep onside in some of the most competitive races, live on Sky Sports Racing.
LEINSTER
Copper Horse Handicap (6.10 Tuesday)
This 0-105 handicap features a whole heap of well-treated horses, most of whom are either returning from a jumps campaign or representing new connections.
By J A McGrath
Charlie Appleby’s decisiveness in withdrawing RULING COURT on Derby Day has set up an unparalleled feature attraction at one of the most attractive Royal Ascots this century.
Tuesday's Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes showcases the three best three-year-old milers in Europe: Field Of Gold and Henri Matisse v Ruling Court, with their credentials established by winning, respectively, the Irish, French and Newmarket 2000 Guineas.
Paul Lally:
R1: 2-1-10-8
R2: 1-7-10-9
R3: 3-7-2-9
R4: 11-8-1-7
R5: 1-4-9-8
R6: 3-2-7-9
R7: 2-3-4-1
R8: 2-7-1-3
R9: 7-6-5-8
R10: 11-12-10-2
R11: 5-13-8-6
Best Bet: R9 N7 Gentlemen Legacy
Longshot: R7 N2 Aeroinvincible
Play: R1 QQP 1-2-10
Last year’s race
Winner: Ain't Nobody
Jockey: Jamie P Spencer
Trainer: Kevin A Ryan
Owner: J Blackburn & J Matthews
Age: 2
Weight: 9st 5lbs
Starting Price: 5/1
Season Form Figures: 1
Previous Best: 1st - Class 3 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes, Carlisle (May 2024)
By Paul Jones
Last year’s race
Winner: Doha
Jockey: Hector Crouch
Trainer: Ralph M Beckett
Owner: Al Shaqab Racing
Age: 4
Weight: 8st 11lbs
Starting Price: 10/1
Season Form Figures: 2
Previous Best: 1st - Class 5 Maiden Stakes, Windsor (October 2023)
By Paul Jones
