Horse Racing News: Connections’ Views Ahead of Royal Ascot’s Feature Action
As the fifth day of the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting approaches, trainers and owners have shared their insights on the highly anticipated feature races.
In the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, trainer Charlie Hills will be seeking back-to-back victories with two strong contenders. Mitbaahy, a recent winner at the Curragh, and the defending champion Khaadem will carry the colors of owner Fitri Hay. Hills noted that Khaadem thrives on fast ground, which he hasn’t had the opportunity to run on since his shock 80/1 triumph last year. Meanwhile, the improving Mitbaahy, who has beaten several Group One horses, is expected to relish the stiff six-furlong test at Ascot.
The top two in the market for the QIPCO British Champions Series race are Mill Stream, ridden by William Buick for Jane Chapple-Hyam, and the Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross, who is set for his first outing since finishing second on Champions Day in October. Buick is confident in Mill Stream’s chances, while Beckett is hopeful that Kinross will be more settled this time around.
Shartash, a recent acquisition for Wathnan Racing, has caught the eye of the outfit’s racing adviser, Richard Brown, who believes the six-and-a-half-furlong trip at Ascot will suit the gelding well. Other contenders include Believing and The Wizard Of Eye, who steps up in class for Charlie Fellowes.
In the Hardwicke Stakes, Desert Hero will be aiming to provide another memorable performance for the King and Queen, having won the King George V Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting. Jockey Tom Marquand is eagerly anticipating another successful day at Ascot aboard the William Haggas-trained chestnut. The likely favorite is Aidan O’Brien’s St Leger hero, Continuous, while the American handler John Sadler will make his Royal Ascot debut with Missed The Cut.
Elsewhere, young rider Saffie Osborne has the opportunity of a lifetime aboard the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Never So Brave in the Jersey Stakes. Haatem, sporting the colors of Wathnan Racing, will look to add to his impressive form, which includes a third-place finish in the 2000 Guineas. Ralph Beckett’s Task Force and Juddmonte’s Kikkuli will also be ones to watch in the competitive seven-furlong contest.
The Chesham Stakes features the highly regarded Bedtime Story from the Aidan O’Brien stable, while Charlie Appleby’s Age Of Gold, another Frankel colt, is expected to make a bold showing on his step up in trip. The meeting will also see the Royal Ascot debut of John Sadler’s Missed The Cut, who has been thriving in the United States and won previously at the Royal meeting when trained by George Boughey.
With an array of exciting prospects and proven performers set to take center stage, the final day of the iconic Royal Ascot meeting promises to deliver another memorable chapter in the sport of horse racing.
🔗 Source