Boughey backing Believing to make Royal Ascot mark
After several near-misses at the highest level, the five-year-old finally claimed the Group One win she had long promised in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in late March and having since kept his powder dry for the Royal meeting, Boughey is anticipating another big effort.
'We've been very happy with her since Meydan and it's very hard not to be positive on her – she's had a faultless preparation,' said the Newmarket handler.
'It's quite strange to have a filly of that quality run so consistently to form. I always think you can't count your chickens, but she's fit and ready to go and we'd be very happy with her.'
Seeing is 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 👀
George Boughey's speedball cuts loose in the @AziziGroup Al Quoz Sprint in the ultra-capable hands of William Buick 🔥🔥🔥#DWC25 | @emirates pic.twitter.com/LkM2DuPHJ9
— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) April 5, 2025
Believing ran twice at Royal Ascot in 2024, finishing a close fourth behind the reopposing Asfoora in the King Charles before occupying the same position in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Jubilee Stakes four days later.
The five-year-old, who is in foal to Frankel, has again been left in Saturday's six-furlong Group One, but is deemed 'unlikely' to line up this time around.
Boughey added: 'It (King Charles III Stakes) looks a similar renewal to last year, so hopefully she can give a good account of herself.
'I think because it's such an open race it's attracted a bigger field. We're drawn in one and possibly a little bit away from some of the others, but I spoke to Ryan (Moore) yesterday and we said it makes our decision pretty clear – we know which way we're going and that's in a straight line towards home.
'A stiff five is probably what she wants now, I think a stiff six is possibly too far. That's why the six in Meydan was so tailor-made for her and anything now is a bonus.'
The Ed Bethell-trained Regional was second to Asfoora 12 months ago and was beaten just three-quarters of a length by Believing when they last clashed in Dubai.
Bethell said: 'Everything has gone smoothly, so we'll keep everything crossed. There's some familiar names in there and we all know each other's positives and negatives. We're all there and fingers crossed it's a good spectacle.
'I've been really pleased with our horse, he's come to himself really well and is training really good.
'We're looking forward to it but it's going to be a tough task and hopefully we're drawn in the right place (stall 17), as I think the draw will be the key thing in this race. Who knows how it will work out? Hopefully we're in the right place but we might not be and that's just horseracing, I guess.'
Karl Burke's talented Night Raider has his first attempt at five furlongs, having been snapped up by the Wathnan Racing operation following what was a promising third at York last month.
'He's very fast and set some blistering fractions in the Duke of York into a strong headwind that day,' said Richard Brown, Wathnan's racing adviser.
'He's won over seven furlongs and was a Guineas horse last year, but I just can't wait to see him over five furlongs as he's blisteringly fast. James (Doyle) rode him up at Karl Burke's the other day and was seriously impressed by how quick he was and I'm really looking forward to seeing him.
'When those sprinters are absolutely flying at Ascot, it's one of the great sights in racing and I think he's going to be one winging along.'
Asfoora is fitted with first-time blinkers for the defence of her title, having finished seventh on her most recent appearance in her native Australia.
Trainer Henry Dwyer said: 'We went right through the summer to York last year and I thought when she got to York (fourth in Nunthorpe) she was a bit flat. She had a really big preparation and I went there really confident she would win and the five furlongs on a flat track would suit her.
'Watching the race back, I just felt she was flat and showing the effects of a long preparation and travelling so we sent her home. She took an age to re-acclimatise and we backed right off her and took stock before giving her two runs in Adelaide.
'She won the first which showed she still wanted to be there, which we were a little apprehensive about, and then we went to the Sangster Stakes which was six furlongs not five but it was just a matter of having a run before coming here.
'There doesn't seem to be many different (runners) to last year and the likes of Big Evs and Bradsell are both at stud now so it's kind of just the old guard of us, Believing and Regional.
'I think she's going as well as she was last year and I think that's all we need to do based on the opposition – get her there in good order and hopefully the form is there.'
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Scottish Sun
28 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He can prove his class for a legendary duo' – Templegate's 11-2 day one NAP
TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Royal Ascot tips: 'He can prove his class for a legendary duo' – Templegate's 11-2 day one NAP TEMPLEGATE tackles an absolutely sensational day one of Royal Ascot confident of leaving the bookies crying into their top hats. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. Advertisement GSTAAD (3.05 Ascot, nap) He did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class. ROSALLION (2.30 Ascot, nb) Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. Advertisement TORITO (5.35 Ascot, treble) He hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. Templegate's Ascot verdicts 2.30 Advertisement ROSALLION can roar to victory in the Queen Anne. He was a brilliant St James's Palace winner here last year and shaped with real promise after 11 months off when third in the Lockinge last time. He needed the run and will be fitter now. Plus I can't ignore the fact he is already proven in this grade. Richard Hannon says he's in top form and is confident of a big run. Advertisement The front two from that race — Dancing Gemini and Lead Artist — can give him the most to do. Templegate's Queen Anne runner-by-runner guide I run through every runner in the awesome opener below, rating them out of five stars. One is the worst - five the best. CAIRO 1 CAIRO can go. Spends most of his time running over further with fair results at a slightly lower level. Drop in trip and hike in class a worry. CARL SPACKLER 3 CARL on marks. Makes debut for Aussie yard having been bought from America where he took a Keeneland Grade 1 on quick ground last time. Likes this trip and going should suit. Place hopes. DANCING GEMINI 4 LITTLE Gem. Proved he's a Group 1 miler this season thanks to a blistering comeback at Doncaster before a close second to Lead Artist in the Lockinge. He handled firm ground there but would ideally like it a bit slower. Leading chance again. DIEGO VELAZQUEZ 3 EZ does it. Smart dual Group winner at Leopardstown last year. Missed his return after playing up in stalls there last month. Has ability but this is a tough comeback and needs a career best. DOCKLANDS 3 DEEP Dock. Ascot specialist who was second in this last year. Trip suits on quick and he was unlucky in the Diomed at Epsom last time. Doesn't win many but could hit the frame again. LAKE FOREST 3 FOREST fire. Globetrotter who won a decent pot Down Under in Nov and showed promise over 7f in France last time when finishing well. Second in Commonwealth Cup last season and interesting for a place over this trip. LEAD ARTIST 4 TAKE the Lead. Won the Lockinge in game style and improving with every run. Proven at a mile and thriving. Solid claims if he backs that up in this hotter race. NOTABLE SPEECH 3 FREE Speech. Last year's Guineas winner ran a fair comeback in the Lockinge. Doesn't have much to find but ran poorly at this meeting last year. QUDDWAH 2 QUDD chewed. Two from three at Ascot over this trip and ground suits. Listed winner in France on comeback so needs more but track form a plus. ROSALLION 5 LION has teeth. Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. 3.05 GSTAAD did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. Advertisement He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class in a race. Military Code showed his liking for this track when battling to win here over 5f last time. He'll have to step up on that but could well do so upped a furlong. Postmodern was an impressive debut winner at Yarmouth when absolutely tanking along. Advertisement He is certain to build on that and has proven staying power for this trip. Warsaw is another Aidan O'Brien runner in the picture. He didn't have to hit top gear when scooting in at Navan on debut and will leave that form behind in this better company. Gavoo stepped up from his debut second to win with something in hand at Listowel earlier this month. He will be doing his best work at the end. Advertisement Power Blue was beaten in a close finish for the Group 3 Marble Hill at The Curragh last time. He could build on that and has place claims. Andab was a place behind him in what looked a good race for the grade. Christophe Soumillon is an interesting booking for Wolverhampton winner Bone Marra so check the betting. 3.40 Advertisement BELIEVING was snapped up by the 'Lads' at Ballydoyle for a whopping £3m before making a winning start in their colours at Meydan last time. She was impressive in taking that Group 1 sprint over this trip and ran some mighty races last season too. She was also a good fourth in this contest when trying to come from a mile back. Stepping up to 6f didn't suit in the Jubilee Stakes before she struck again at The Curragh in July. Advertisement A series of near misses at the highest level then followed before that Dubai breakthrough. Hopefully her stall one draw will be fine and she must go close under Ryan Moore. Defending champion Asfoora looks a big threat again although this year's preparation hasn't been quite as smooth. There has been no warm-up this year and she didn't stay 6f in an Aussie Group 1 last time. Advertisement The first-time blinkers are an interesting move but we know she's been here and done it before. Last year's second Regional warrants plenty of respect after chasing home the tip in Dubai last time. He likes quick ground and trainer Ed Bethell continues in excellent form. Night Raider is rapid and blew away the cobwebs with a solid third in a York Group 2 last month. Advertisement He went off too quick there and didn't last home over 6f. It's strange that connections have waited this long to try him over the minimum trip and he should be suited by it. He could run into the places. Starlust won the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint over this trip in November before a poor run in Hong Kong. He clearly needed the run at Haydock on comeback last month and should show his true colours here. Advertisement William Buick stays on board Mgheera after her Temple Stakes success at Haydock 24 days ago. She likes decent ground and is another with place claims if she can avoid the slow start she sometimes throws in. American Affair has a decent draw and had no luck in the Temple Stakes at Haydock when the door was slammed in his face. He's a useful handicapper who deserves a crack at this stronger company but must improve to figure. Advertisement West Acre came up short in this grade in Dubai last time after landing a couple of group races. It may have been stepping up to 6f that scuppered him and it would be no shock to see a better showing here from what could be the plum draw in stall 23. Aesterius wasn't disgraced at the Breeders' Cup and needed his comeback at York last month. It's asking a lot to win but he could run into the extra places plenty of bookies will be offering. Advertisement Tropical Storm comes from stall 19 with Colin Keane on board and is another who could run into the first half a dozen places. 4.20 FIELD OF GOLD can turn the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas form around with Ruling Court who beat him fair and square on the day. Fingers were pointed at jockey Kieran Shoemark for leaving his challenge too late on the Gosden runner. Advertisement And he did but it still took the big grey a while to hit top gear and he wasn't entirely happy going through the dip at Newmarket before being beaten half a length. He was much more at home at The Curragh last time where he took the Irish version without breaking sweat. He had the excellent Colin Keane on board that day and it's wise move to keep him in the saddle this afternoon. Ascot should be right up his street although he won't want to be too far behind turning on to the short straight – Keane knows that and can get the job done. Advertisement Although I think he'll have to settle for second place it's not a forgone conclusion that Ruling Court won't uphold the HQ form. He quickened sharply when asked by William Buick and kept rolling to the line. He should get similar ground here and Ascot's round track will play to his strengths. He can give the odds-on favourite a good race. Henri Matisse idled in front when winning the French Guineas by a neck. Advertisement That was a big personal best and there's every chance he'll improve again under Ryan Moore. He has a bit to find with the other two but is on a different level to the rest of the field. Windlord was Field Of Gold's pacemaker in Ireland and will do the same job and the other two Ballydoyle horses, who have no business running in this. Let's hope it doesn't become a messy race. Advertisement 5.00 MR HAMPSTEAD should be right at home tackling this marathon trip for the first time. He actually ran in the Derby last season but staying was always going to be his game as he showed when striking over two miles on comeback at Goodwood last month. He went back to the Sussex track for a crack at a hotter handicap where he went down to Manxman in a photo. Advertisement He runs again here too and has solid each-way claims. But David Egan's mount looks to have more staying power and this extra half-mile should be ideal. The King and Queen have a good chance with Reaching High who moved to Willie Mullins over the winter. He was beaten on the nod at Leopardstown over 1m4f on comeback last month and is another who looks all about staying. Advertisement Mullins has another big chance with Poniros who won the Triumph Hurdle before running another cracker at Punchestown last time. This is the furthest he's tackled and it could bring improvement. East India Dock is another Cheltenham winner who was brilliant when taking the Chester Cup last time. He'll stay and only the quicker ground is a slight concern. Advertisement Ascending ran well at Cork last time and is in place picture along with Comfort Zone who has good Flat form over two miles and should appreciate this test. 5.35 TORITO hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. Advertisement He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. Ecureuil Secret got the job done very nicely over this trip at Epsom's Derby meeting and deserves this move out of handicap company. He hasn't tackled quicker ground before but has a touch of class and should handle it. Haatem moves beyond a mile for the first time and it could bring improvement. Advertisement He was placed in the Newmarket and Curragh Guineas last season so has plenty of talent. He was disappointing in France last time but this could be the making of him. Enfjaar wasn't asked too many questions when fifth in the Brigadier Gerard on comeback last month. He will be fitter for that run and showed his class over this trip when winning last year's John Smith's Cup. Advertisement He goes on any ground and has his favoured hood back on here. Liberty Lane landed Listed honours at Goodwood last time when toughing it out ahead of Meydan. There won't be a lot between them again and they both have place prospects. Military Order is the pick of the Godolphin pair but has a bit to find. Advertisement 6.10 GAVIN Cromwell rarely leaves empty handed on his British raids and his MY MATE MOZZIE can improve on last year's close-up third in this race. He left his challenge a bit late and came home with a real rattle. He has talented 5lb claimer Warren Fentiman doing the steering this time and should be right there again from effectively 4lb lower in the handicap. Advertisement French Master showed his liking for this testing trip when landing a battling win at Goodwood last time. That was all the better because he managed to get through the traffic problems that are so common at that track. A 4lb rise in the weights seems very generous and the first-time blinkers can give him a nudge too. Ryan Moore rides Charlus for Willie Mullins and they are usually a potent partnership. Advertisement He is making his Flat debut for the Irish jumps king here and could be way ahead of the handicapper. Lavender Hill Mob had plenty left in the tank when scoring over 1m4f at Newmarket last time. He went from the front and kept producing when challenged. He should appreciate this stiffer test. Caballo De Mar has become a winning machine at lower levels and beat some useful rivals over two miles at Haydock last time. Advertisement His staying power should be an asset and he can improve again despite being 33lb higher than his first success. Endless Victory has some useful form around 1m2f and it's interesting to see Charlie Appleby up him so far in distance. He's bred to stay a bit further than he's been tackling so could find improvement. Prydwen has a Group 3 win on his CV over this trip and needed the run at Haydock last time after a break. He could sneak into the places at a big price. Advertisement Templegate's tips FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He can prove his class for a legendary duo' – Templegate's 11-2 day one NAP
TEMPLEGATE tackles an absolutely sensational day one of Royal Ascot confident of leaving the bookies crying into their top hats. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. GSTAAD (3.05 Ascot, nap) He did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class. ROSALLION (2.30 Ascot, nb) Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. He hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. 2.30 ROSALLION can roar to victory in the Queen Anne. He was a brilliant St James's Palace winner here last year and shaped with real promise after 11 months off when third in the Lockinge last time. He needed the run and will be fitter now. Plus I can't ignore the fact he is already proven in this grade. Richard Hannon says he's in top form and is confident of a big run. The front two from that race — Dancing Gemini and Lead Artist — can give him the most to do. Templegate's Queen Anne runner-by-runner guide I run through every runner in the awesome opener below, rating them out of five stars. One is the worst - five the best. CAIRO 1 CAIRO can go. Spends most of his time running over further with fair results at a slightly lower level. Drop in trip and hike in class a worry. CARL SPACKLER 3 CARL on marks. Makes debut for Aussie yard having been bought from America where he took a Keeneland Grade 1 on quick ground last time. Likes this trip and going should suit. Place hopes. DANCING GEMINI 4 LITTLE Gem. Proved he's a Group 1 miler this season thanks to a blistering comeback at Doncaster before a close second to Lead Artist in the Lockinge. He handled firm ground there but would ideally like it a bit slower. Leading chance again. DIEGO VELAZQUEZ 3 EZ does it. Smart dual Group winner at Leopardstown last year. Missed his return after playing up in stalls there last month. Has ability but this is a tough comeback and needs a career best. DOCKLANDS 3 DEEP Dock. Ascot specialist who was second in this last year. Trip suits on quick and he was unlucky in the Diomed at Epsom last time. Doesn't win many but could hit the frame again. LAKE FOREST 3 FOREST fire. Globetrotter who won a decent pot Down Under in Nov and showed promise over 7f in France last time when finishing well. Second in Commonwealth Cup last season and interesting for a place over this trip. LEAD ARTIST 4 TAKE the Lead. Won the Lockinge in game style and improving with every run. Proven at a mile and thriving. Solid claims if he backs that up in this hotter race. NOTABLE SPEECH 3 FREE Speech. Last year's Guineas winner ran a fair comeback in the Lockinge. Doesn't have much to find but ran poorly at this meeting last year. QUDDWAH 2 QUDD chewed. Two from three at Ascot over this trip and ground suits. Listed winner in France on comeback so needs more but track form a plus. ROSALLION 5 LION has teeth. Impressive St James's Palace winner last season on quick ground. Ran well in the Lockinge when needing the run and will be fitter now. Proven in this grade and the one to beat. 3.05 GSTAAD did well to win on debut at Navan last time despite looking green right through the race. He wasn't helped by having to slalom for a gap entering the final furlong but got the job done. He will come on plenty for that run and can prove his class in a race. Military Code showed his liking for this track when battling to win here over 5f last time. He'll have to step up on that but could well do so upped a furlong. Postmodern was an impressive debut winner at Yarmouth when absolutely tanking along. He is certain to build on that and has proven staying power for this trip. Warsaw is another Aidan O'Brien runner in the picture. He didn't have to hit top gear when scooting in at Navan on debut and will leave that form behind in this better company. Gavoo stepped up from his debut second to win with something in hand at Listowel earlier this month. He will be doing his best work at the end. Power Blue was beaten in a close finish for the Group 3 Marble Hill at The Curragh last time. He could build on that and has place claims. Andab was a place behind him in what looked a good race for the grade. Christophe Soumillon is an interesting booking for Wolverhampton winner Bone Marra so check the betting. 3.40 BELIEVING was snapped up by the 'Lads' at Ballydoyle for a whopping £3m before making a winning start in their colours at Meydan last time. She was impressive in taking that Group 1 sprint over this trip and ran some mighty races last season too. She was also a good fourth in this contest when trying to come from a mile back. Stepping up to 6f didn't suit in the Jubilee Stakes before she struck again at The Curragh in July. A series of near misses at the highest level then followed before that Dubai breakthrough. Hopefully her stall one draw will be fine and she must go close under Ryan Moore. Defending champion Asfoora looks a big threat again although this year's preparation hasn't been quite as smooth. There has been no warm-up this year and she didn't stay 6f in an Aussie Group 1 last time. The first-time blinkers are an interesting move but we know she's been here and done it before. Last year's second Regional warrants plenty of respect after chasing home the tip in Dubai last time. He likes quick ground and trainer Ed Bethell continues in excellent form. Night Raider is rapid and blew away the cobwebs with a solid third in a York Group 2 last month. He went off too quick there and didn't last home over 6f. It's strange that connections have waited this long to try him over the minimum trip and he should be suited by it. He could run into the places. Starlust won the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint over this trip in November before a poor run in Hong Kong. He clearly needed the run at Haydock on comeback last month and should show his true colours here. William Buick stays on board Mgheera after her Temple Stakes success at Haydock 24 days ago. She likes decent ground and is another with place claims if she can avoid the slow start she sometimes throws in. American Affair has a decent draw and had no luck in the Temple Stakes at Haydock when the door was slammed in his face. He's a useful handicapper who deserves a crack at this stronger company but must improve to figure. West Acre came up short in this grade in Dubai last time after landing a couple of group races. It may have been stepping up to 6f that scuppered him and it would be no shock to see a better showing here from what could be the plum draw in stall 23. Aesterius wasn't disgraced at the Breeders' Cup and needed his comeback at York last month. It's asking a lot to win but he could run into the extra places plenty of bookies will be offering. Tropical Storm comes from stall 19 with Colin Keane on board and is another who could run into the first half a dozen places. 4.20 FIELD OF GOLD can turn the Newmarket 1,000 Guineas form around with Ruling Court who beat him fair and square on the day. Fingers were pointed at jockey Kieran Shoemark for leaving his challenge too late on the Gosden runner. And he did but it still took the big grey a while to hit top gear and he wasn't entirely happy going through the dip at Newmarket before being beaten half a length. He was much more at home at The Curragh last time where he took the Irish version without breaking sweat. He had the excellent Colin Keane on board that day and it's wise move to keep him in the saddle this afternoon. Ascot should be right up his street although he won't want to be too far behind turning on to the short straight – Keane knows that and can get the job done. Although I think he'll have to settle for second place it's not a forgone conclusion that Ruling Court won't uphold the HQ form. He quickened sharply when asked by William Buick and kept rolling to the line. He should get similar ground here and Ascot's round track will play to his strengths. He can give the odds-on favourite a good race. Henri Matisse idled in front when winning the French Guineas by a neck. That was a big personal best and there's every chance he'll improve again under Ryan Moore. He has a bit to find with the other two but is on a different level to the rest of the field. Windlord was Field Of Gold's pacemaker in Ireland and will do the same job and the other two Ballydoyle horses, who have no business running in this. Let's hope it doesn't become a messy race. 5.00 MR HAMPSTEAD should be right at home tackling this marathon trip for the first time. He actually ran in the Derby last season but staying was always going to be his game as he showed when striking over two miles on comeback at Goodwood last month. He went back to the Sussex track for a crack at a hotter handicap where he went down to Manxman in a photo. He runs again here too and has solid each-way claims. But David Egan's mount looks to have more staying power and this extra half-mile should be ideal. The King and Queen have a good chance with Reaching High who moved to Willie Mullins over the winter. He was beaten on the nod at Leopardstown over 1m4f on comeback last month and is another who looks all about staying. Mullins has another big chance with Poniros who won the Triumph Hurdle before running another cracker at Punchestown last time. This is the furthest he's tackled and it could bring improvement. East India Dock is another Cheltenham winner who was brilliant when taking the Chester Cup last time. He'll stay and only the quicker ground is a slight concern. Ascending ran well at Cork last time and is in place picture along with Comfort Zone who has good Flat form over two miles and should appreciate this test. 5.35 TORITO hasn't run since his excellent third in this race 12 months ago and can make a winning comeback under top pilot Colin Keane. We know this trip and track suit and he should get his favoured decent ground too. He's clearly had problems but he goes well fresh and the Gosdens should have him ready to roll in what looks a wide-open contest. Ecureuil Secret got the job done very nicely over this trip at Epsom's Derby meeting and deserves this move out of handicap company. He hasn't tackled quicker ground before but has a touch of class and should handle it. Haatem moves beyond a mile for the first time and it could bring improvement. He was placed in the Newmarket and Curragh Guineas last season so has plenty of talent. He was disappointing in France last time but this could be the making of him. Enfjaar wasn't asked too many questions when fifth in the Brigadier Gerard on comeback last month. He will be fitter for that run and showed his class over this trip when winning last year's John Smith's Cup. He goes on any ground and has his favoured hood back on here. Liberty Lane landed Listed honours at Goodwood last time when toughing it out ahead of Meydan. There won't be a lot between them again and they both have place prospects. Military Order is the pick of the Godolphin pair but has a bit to find. 6.10 GAVIN Cromwell rarely leaves empty handed on his British raids and his MY MATE MOZZIE can improve on last year's close-up third in this race. He left his challenge a bit late and came home with a real rattle. He has talented 5lb claimer Warren Fentiman doing the steering this time and should be right there again from effectively 4lb lower in the handicap. French Master showed his liking for this testing trip when landing a battling win at Goodwood last time. That was all the better because he managed to get through the traffic problems that are so common at that track. A 4lb rise in the weights seems very generous and the first-time blinkers can give him a nudge too. Ryan Moore rides Charlus for Willie Mullins and they are usually a potent partnership. He is making his Flat debut for the Irish jumps king here and could be way ahead of the handicapper. Lavender Hill Mob had plenty left in the tank when scoring over 1m4f at Newmarket last time. He went from the front and kept producing when challenged. He should appreciate this stiffer test. Caballo De Mar has become a winning machine at lower levels and beat some useful rivals over two miles at Haydock last time. His staying power should be an asset and he can improve again despite being 33lb higher than his first success. Endless Victory has some useful form around 1m2f and it's interesting to see Charlie Appleby up him so far in distance. He's bred to stay a bit further than he's been tackling so could find improvement. Prydwen has a Group 3 win on his CV over this trip and needed the run at Haydock last time after a break. He could sneak into the places at a big price. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Willie Mullins hopes to put on a show fit for the King as Reaching High aims to emulate his father Estimate by providing a Royal winner at Ascot
One image from Royal Ascot this century stands above everything else. In 2013, the late Queen was sitting on the edge of a seat in her box, fists clenched excitedly and smiling euphorically. Nothing sets the ultimate Flat meeting ablaze like the Monarch having a winner, and the impact of Estimate's victory in the Gold Cup 12 years ago was felt far and wide; so profound was that success, it can still be felt. King Charles, will watch from the same vantage point when Estimate's son, Reaching High, will contest the Ascot Stakes (5pm), a handicap run over the same punishing two-and-a-half-mile trip as the Gold Cup on Thursday. Those who believe in happy endings may feel the stars are aligning. On an afternoon when quality bursts out of every race, from an exceptional renewal of the Queen Anne Stakes (2.30pm) to a clash of the Classic winners in the St James's Palace Stakes (4.20pm), the event that will attract public attention is the one in which Reaching High will be sent off favourite. This will be a historic moment. Reaching High, following the retirement of Sir Michael Stoute, was sent to the Carlow yard of champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins by Queen Camilla in March and it made the gelding the first Royal horse to be based in Ireland. Reaching High sustained an injury on his final run for Stoute last August and showed signs of rustiness in the early stages of his comeback run at Leopardstown last month but the penny quickly dropped and he finished with a flourish, just losing out in a photo finish. Mullins was humbled to be asked to train Reaching High, the thought coming into the Queen's mind after the trainer and his wife, Jackie, had been part of last year's Royal procession. She, like everyone who follows racing, knows there is no better man to prepare a horse for a specific target. 'We are in new territory concerning the trip,' said John Warren, the Royal Family's long-term racing adviser, who was next to the late Queen the day Estimate thundered home to pip, ironically, a Mullins runner called Simenon. 'But he is certainly bred for this. He handles top of the ground so, with Ryan Moore riding, we are hopeful he'll run well. He's a very big horse, who is just coming of age, so the King and Queen are intrigued to see how he gets on and what the future holds.' Moore, the ultimate big-race pilot, is another link between past and present. He had those distinct silks on when Estimate delivered and he will wear them again this afternoon as he tries to give Mullins his 11th Royal Ascot triumph. 'I know the family well — I rode Estimate to win at the Royal meeting twice for Sir Michael and they were great days; the Gold Cup was particularly special,' said Moore, who fondly remembers being invited to Windsor Castle after that success. 'I've had a good connection with Willie, too. I was on Simenon, who was his first Royal Ascot winner, and then I got the better of Simenon in the Gold Cup, so there are plenty of strands to the story. I'm sure it will be exciting for everyone watching and it will be interesting to see how he goes.' The promise Reaching High showed at Leopardstown for Jody Townend, sister of Gold Cup winning jockey Paul, was obvious and his regal breeding — his father is the 2009 Derby winner Sea The Stars — means the public have latched on to him. Mullins, for sure, knows what is at stake. 'If he could run a similar type of race at Ascot I'd be very pleased,' said Mullins. 'It would be great to have a winner for Their Majesties. It's great of them to send me a pedigree like this to train. We're hoping for the best.'
