Royal Ascot: Prince of Wales´s Stakes

The Prince of Wales´s Stakes for older horses over 10 furlongs at 17.20 CET is always one of the highlights of the week and today is no exception. Even after the withdrawal of 2014 Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome this is still a high class cosmopolitan field, with runners from Australia, France, Ireland, and Japan as well as from the U.K.

The Japanese hope Spielberg (Kazuo Fujkisawa/ Christophe Spoumillon) should certainly not be underestimated, although no Japanese horse has ever won at Royal Ascot; however the form in that country is very strong and Spielberg defeated Gentildonna, well enough known in the West, last year. Australian runner runner Criterion (David Hayes/ Chad Schofield) was third in the HK Cup last year and is a Group One winner in his native country. The Grey Gatsby (Kevin Ryan/ Jamie Spencer) is top-rated here, but that is based on 2014 form and his latest outing was less impressive, although he can certainly bounce back now. Lightly-raced Cannock Chase (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) needs to improve but is confidently expected to do so. The two French challengers Ectot (Elie Lellouche/ Gregory Benoist) and Gailo Chop (Antoine de Watrigant/ Julian Augé) must be respected, although the former has not run since running below form in the Arc, for which he was second favourite. Free Eagle (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smuöllen) has only run four times and also comes off a long break - last time he was third in the Champion Stakes here in October and holds Western Hymn (John Gosden/ Frankie Dettori) on that form. The very soft ground then was against him and he will be much better suited by today´s faster conditions. The trainer has always regarded him as a top class performer and despite his lack of experience he can prove this today.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ivawood - Bossy Guest - Fadhayyil
2. Race: Besharah - Easton Angel - Acapulco
3. Race: Integral - Euro Charline - Rizeena
4. Race: Free Eagle - Ectot - The Grey Gatsby
5. Race: Speculative Bid - Ayaar - Spark Plug
6. Race: Always Smile - Touchline - Osaila