The Royal Ascot ‘Trials’ card, a significant forecast for next year’s contest, is nestled within the latest classical agenda, marked for Sunday at the 100-year-old Naas. The latter, commemorating its hundredth anniversary, offers free admission to one of its premier events, broadcasted live on RTÉ and ITV. It cannot be blamed for not achieving its stated purpose.
Last year’s pioneer, River Tiber, took home the Coventry Stakes accolade a month after his triumph at Sunday’s opener. Ascot’s Albany Stakes was bagged by Porta Fortuna shortly after her victory at the 2023 Group Three Coolmore Fillies Stakes. Meditate replicated this double win in 2022.
Moreover, three classic heroines – Mother Earth (2020), Alpha Centauri (2017), and Sky Lantern (2012) – who dominated the €70,000 feature event in the past decade, adds further weight. An expected gathering of around 4,000 can savour a six-horse race this year.
Aidan O’Brien stakes much faith in City Of Troy, a Guineas misfire, as he eyes Derby success at Epsom. Ballydoyle’s entrant Fairy Godmother was expected to impress in her debut on course and distance last month; however, she fell short against Sparkling Sea.
Sparkling Sea’s trainer, Ger Lyons, was quite certain that his Moyglare Stud-owned filly would improve remarkably post-experience. Lyons also has the Dundalk victor, Proudly Yours, under his wing.
Forming part of Jessica Harrington’s squad, Barnavara has been in top form, despite likely facing different ground conditions from her successful Curragh debut. Meanwhile, Bucanero Fuerte, Group One glamour and 120 rating holder from last year’s Phoenix Stakes, is set to kick off the season in Sunday’s additional Group Three – the Lacken Stakes.
Colt owner AMO Racing, alongside Brazilian horseman Robson Aguiar and trainer Adrian Murray, are working tirelessly towards Ascot, following the colt’s drop back to the minimum trip.
Murray has acknowledged that the current state of the horse is exceptional and any challenges with the ground shouldn’t pose a problem. The aspiration is to revisit Royal Ascot, hopefully in prime condition following Sunday’s race. There’s an element of anticipation and anxiety in having such a horse, which is creating quite the buzz for the stable, a thrill that has been mounting in anticipation of the horse’s return to the field.
Ryan Moore has been slated to partner with Military in Sunday’s Lacken, as one of several rides for Aidan O’Brien. Expectations are high for both Treasure Isle and Aesop’s Fables to emerge as favourites, while the Ascot spot for Air Commander could be clinched in a mile handicap.
Moore had travelled to Leopardstown on Friday to compete with Kyprios in the Savel Beg Stakes before promptly riding for O’Brien on Saturday at Newbury, partnered with Chantilly in a significant handicap. Kevin Ryan has also enlisted Moore for Hi Royal, in the notable Group One Lockinge Stakes duel between the seasoned horses Inspiral and French stallion Big Rock.
The typically tumultuous classic racing timetable enters a brief pause with the conclusion of the Guineas at the Curragh the following week, and the anticipated Epsom Oaks and Derby to follow shortly.
Derby favourite, City Of Troy, seems to have further solidified his status following a lacklustre showing in Guineas at Newmarket. With rumours of a pivot away from Epsom for Dante victor Economics, and the withdrawal of Godolphin’s Arabian Crown, City Of Troy has settled as 2-1 favourite for some. Meanwhile, his stablemate, Ylang Ylang, leads the market predictions for Friday week’s Oaks.
Domestically, the spotlight is on Navan’s Yeats Stakes on Saturday, with Wayne Lordan choosing Gasper De Lemos over The Equator. With the recent boost to Oretlius’ conquest of Leopardstown, Dylan Browne McMonagle could see himself in a favourable ‘spare’ position.
Meanwhile, the classic international event of the weekend takes place at Pimlico in Baltimore, host to the second chapter of the US Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes, boasting a $2 million purse on Saturday night.
“Mystic Dan is expected to replicate his recent thrilling victory from the Kentucky Derby just two weeks ago, up against seven competitors, one of them being Imagination, ridden by Frankie Dettori. Earlier in the week, renowned trainer Bob Baffert had no choice but to withdraw his primary Preakness contender, Muth, however he still holds a favourable position with Imagination in the Morning Line.
Despite Dettori’s lack of success in American classics to date, he performed well on Imagination at the Santa Anita Derby, placing second. The seasoned Italian jockey commented on his rapport with the horse: “He’s been a great partner. We clinched the San Felipe and were runners-up in the Santa Anita Derby. He’s an optimally consistent horse, always within the top two. It’s a pleasure to ride for a Hall of Fame trainer such as Bob Baffert, I am really looking forward to it.”
The Preakness race is due to take place a minute past midnight, ready to watch on Sky and Virgin Media Two.”