Timeform’s Reaction to Key Royal Ascot Performances
In the latest edition of Horse Racing News, Timeform have provided their reaction to the standout performances from the older horses at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.
Headlining the review is the high-class display from last year’s Derby winner, Auguste Rodin, who claimed victory in the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The triumph marked the sixth top-level success for the talented colt, who was well-positioned throughout the race before hitting the front two furlongs out and holding on to win by three-quarters of a length.
Timeform noted that Auguste Rodin, currently rated 128, is one of the highest-rated horses in training in Europe, sitting just behind White Birch and Kyprios on the official rankings. The report suggests the son of Galileo could still be capable of achieving an even higher rating if asked to do so, and he would command respect should he head to the King George next.
Another notable performance came from Kyprios, who became just the third horse in history to regain the Gold Cup crown. Timeform praised the seven-year-old’s attitude and stamina in the grueling race, stating he retains all his ability and will continue to be the one to beat in the division.
Charyn, trained by Roger Varian, opened the Royal Ascot meeting in fine fashion by landing his first career Group 1 victory in the Queen Anne Stakes. The report notes that while this was one of the easier assignments at the top level for the improving five-year-old, the race played to his strengths better than the recent Lockinge Stakes.
The performance of Australian sprinter Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes (formerly the King’s Stand Stakes) was also highlighted, as she recorded her first win at the highest level. Timeform suggested her display was worthy of being marked up, as she raced in the smaller near-side group initially before sweeping through to beat the highly-rated Big Evs.
Finally, the report praised the continued progress of the George Scott-trained Isle of Jura, who landed the Hardwicke Stakes for his fifth consecutive victory. Timeform believes the manner in which he quickened clear suggests connections are entitled to target the prestigious King George next time out.
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