A bit of a lull on day two with only one Group 1 race, the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, though there are three Group 2 races.
The Prince Of Wales’s Stakes has a roll of honour that is littered with the names of equine superstars. Nayef, Ouija Board and So You Think are past winners of the 1m2f contest and this year’s favourite, CRACKSMAN, would not be out of place alongside those great names.
Since placed in both the Epsom and Irish Derbies last year, he’s won five on the spin including the Champion Stakes, Prix Ganay and Coronation Cup. He wasn’t at his best at Epsom less than three weeks ago, which is a slight worry, but his class should get him home in front again at Ascot, though he is only a general 8/13.
None of his rivals can really match his form but Cliffs Of Moher (12/1 with William Hill) did finish in front of him in the Derby last year, only for John Gosden’s colt to later reverse the form in emphatic fashion at Ascot in October. With only seven runners, however, each-way options are limited.
Prince Of Wales’s Stakes Current Best Odds
Cracksman 8/13, Poet’s Word 4/1, Eminent, Hawkbill and Cliffs Of Moher 12/1, Desert Encounter 50/1, Royal Julius 80/1
Only one filly of 10 to run under a Group 1 penalty in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes since its status was elevated 15 years ago has managed to make the frame which underlines the task facing Hydrangea, favourite this year.
Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old is not short of class but she was disappointing back over a mile on her reappearance at the Curragh and best odds of 13/8 look way too short, though this year’s renewal does lack strength-in-depth.
ALJAZZI was second in the race last year and fancied to go one better in 2018. She was a convincing winner of a Group 3 at Sandown in September and ran well in the Breeders’ Cup. Third behind race-fit rivals on her reappearance, she has been aimed at this and can be backed at 5/1 with Ladbrokes.
Duke Of Cambridge Stakes Current Best Odds
Hydrangea 7/4, Aljazzi 5/1, Tomyris and Wilamina 8/1, Arabian Hope, Promising Run and Urban Fox 14/1, Tribute Act 20/1, Lincoln Rocks and Unforgetable Filly 25/1, Billesdon Bess 50/1
Three St Leger winners and two Ascot Gold Cup winners have run in the Queen’s Vase in recent years but race planners still didn’t consider that the race was pulling its weight so, last year, they upgraded it to Group 2 status and reduced the distance from 2m to 1m6f. If the first running under the new conditions was a guide, a low draw might be an advantage as there is now a much shorter dash to the first bend – five of the first six last year had a single-figure draw and were able to grab a good position, though there are only 12 runners this year so it’s effect should be reduced.
Aidan O’Brien has won four of the last six runnings and is responsible for three this year. Nelson is probably the one with most class but stamina may be an issue. Punters have been more interested in Southern France (a general 4/1), who is chasing a hat-trick, and Kew Gardens, who ran in the Derby. Of the last 23 winners, 20 were among the first four in the betting. Mark Johnston usually has one laid out for this race and Lynwood Gold may be the pick of his duo this year as he is weighted to reverse Doncaster running with Jeremiah.
John Gosden won the Queen’s Vase last year with Stradivarius, who went on to land the Goodwood Cup. He also trains STREAM OF STARS, who has only won a maiden so far but that was at Ascot. He is superbly bred and a brother to 1m6f winner Flymetothestars so will relish the step up in distance and can continue making up for lost time at the general 4/1.
Queen’s Vase Current Best Odds
Kew Gardens 3/1, Southern France and Stream Of Stars 4/1, Nelson 9/2, Almoghared 16/1, Drapers Guild 20/1, Lynwood Gold and King’s Proctor 25/1, Sovereign Duke 33/1, Jeremiah 40/1, Yabass and Dubai Empire 50/1
Wednesday’s Tip Of The Day: SHADES OF BLUE (13/2 with Coral in the 2.30) shot clear of a subsequent winner on debut at Ascot and will have the stands’ rail to keep him straight and true
