Thursday was another memorable Royal Ascot day for Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore and the Ballydoyle brigade. They’ve had plenty of them over the years, of course. Illinois and Auguste Rodin won for them on Wednesday, and they doubled up again on Ladies Day with Port Fairy and Gold Cup hero Kyprios. Will Ballydoyle continue to rack up wins on the penultimate day of the Royal Ascot meeting? They have the current warm favourite for the Coronation Stakes (one of Friday’s features), in the shape of Opera Singer. Check out the stats and trends for all the day 4 action.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlbany Stakes (14:30)
As with the previous two days of the Royal Ascot meeting, we kick off the afternoon’s action with a 2-year-old contest. However, the Albany is the first race for the youngest brood since the opening day’s Coventry Stakes to be raced over 6 furlongs instead of the flying five. It’s ladies only here, too, with a high-quality bunch of fillies preparing to strut their stuff. Fairy Godmother fans are concerned that none of the previous 2-year-old races this week’s favourites have finished in the frame.
Vital trends and stats
Won on their last run
Won by either a Feb or Mar foal
Last run within the last 34 days
It leaves us with the Aidan O’Brien pair of Fairy Godmother and Heavens Gate. While Fairy Godmother may very well cast a spell on her rivals and break the disappointing run of 2-year-old jollies, I’d prefer to be with Heavens Gate at the odds. She also looks to have a better draw than her stablemate. Stalls in the range 13-15 have performed well in the race when the ground has been rattling and Heavens Gate is drawn 17.
Commonwealth Cup (15:05)
The first Group 1 event of day 4 is for 3-year-olds of both sexes. We remain over 6 furlongs as in the previous race. Advertise, who won the event in the hands of Frankie Dettori in 2019, is the only victorious horse to go under the 1-minute 12-second mark. As the race was only introduced in 2015, there aren’t a plethora of stats to scrutinize over, unfortunately.
Vital trends and stats
Last run within the last 48 days
At least 1 previous run at Ascot
At least 3 previous runs over 6 furlongs
A rating of 113 or higher
Drawn 8 or lower
Starlust is the only filly left standing. The Ralph Beckett yard has produced the goods so far at the Royal meeting with two victories and a second during the first three days. Starlust arrives at Ascot after an impressive victory at York at the end of May and should be in the mix.
Embed from Getty ImagesCoronation Stakes (15:45)
The Group 1s keep on coming. The Coronation Stakes is another 3-year-old-only event, but this time it’s just for the ladies (fillies). Unlike the Commonwealth, which is still in its fledgling years, the Coronation Stakes is one of the vintage contests and dates back to 1840. This year’s renewal looks a cracker on paper, with the first three homes in the 1000 Guineas locking horns again (Elmalka, Porta Fortuna & Ramatuelle). The third in the Irish 1000 Guineas, Opera Singer, also enters the fray.
Vital trends and stats
Won a Group 1 or 2 previously
At least 4 previous flat runs
Returned 8/1 or shorter in the betting
Had won over at least 7f before
Only Opera Singer makes the cut. The Aidan O’Brien filly failed to live with Fallen Angel in the Irish 1000 Guineas, but may have needed that run. She shone during her 2-year-old campaign, finishing last year with a stunning performance in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp.
Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (16:25)
We step up the age range and trip for the first handicap of the day. While the Duke Of Edinburgh is open to 3-year-olds and over, there are no 3-year-olds entered in this year’s renewal. A number of previous winners have been propelled into Group class following success in this event, including Fox Hunt and Young Mick.
Vital trends and stats
Won over at least 1m2f before
Aged 4 or 5
Drawn in stall 12 or higher
At least 2 previous flat wins
Two are left in contention: Epic Poet and Deakin. Irish raider, Deakin, is the obvious pick of the two on form, having won back-to-back at the end of last season. The Joseph O’Brien 4-year-old also recorded an impressive 2nd place on his 2024 debut at the Curragh last month. The yard is in fine form, with Neski Sherelski a close 2nd in the King George V Stakes, the opening handicap yesterday. Epic Poet has not placed since racing in France under Jean-Claude Rouget’s regime, but there were signs of a return to form when running for David O’Meara for the first time at York last month.
Embed from Getty ImagesSandringham Stakes (Handicap) (17:05)
We remain in handicap mode, but are focused solely on 3-year-old fillies for the Sandringham. The Haggas/Marquand trainer & jockey combo failed to fire for their Majesties, The King & Queen, with Gilded Water in the King George V Stakes yesterday, but they get another shot at Royal stardom with Hard To Resist here.
Vital trends and stats
At least 3 previous flat runs Never run at Ascot before
Won over at least 7f before
Returned 12/1 or shorter in the betting
Last run within the last 46 days
Between 2 and 4 previous runs that season
That leaves two Irish raiders, Aidan O’Brien’s Everlasting and Gordon Elliott’s Zaynab. Both have never set hoof on English turf before. Zaynab attempts to claim a third straight win this season and looks better drawn of the pair in the 14 box. She’s also previously won a big-field event, which may prove beneficial.
King Edward VII Stakes (17:40)
The 3-year-old fillies have had their moment; now it’s the turn of the colts and geldings. The race falls into the vintage category, as it was first run in 1834 when it was originally known as the ‘Ascot Derby’. There are a couple of French raiders, and Aidan O’Brien sends out a few, so it could be a very intriguing contest.
Vital trends and stats
At least 2 previous runs that season
Returned 9/1 or shorter in the
At least 3 previous flat runs
Placed last time out
Won at least twice previously
The stats point to a battle between Chief Little Rock and Calandagan. Calandagan arrives at Ascot following two victories in testing conditions on French soil. Chief Little Rock also hasn’t finished out of the frame in all his previous outings, and he may find the going more to his liking today. He’s another son of Galileo, whose progeny have been enjoying life at the Royal meeting this week. I’m siding towards the Ballydoyle runner.
Embed from Getty ImagesPalace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap (18:15)
With only four previous runnings of this 5-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds, it’s hard to call in terms of stats and trends. We will do our best to push through, though, the warriors that we are.
Vital trends and stats
No winner over 9st 1lbs
Rated 87-97
No single-figure stall runner has finished in the frame
There are numerous runners still left in contention. A couple who catch the eye and may make the frame are Archie Watson’s Dyrholaey and, at a bigger price, Roger Varian’s Markakol. Both trainers have been in form this week. Archie Watson also won this with Rhythm N Hooves last year, so they maybe looking for further success.
This week, all Royal Ascots are being screened live on ITV/ITV4 and Sky Sports Racing. Check all the latest prices here.
Royal Ascot Ladies’ Day – All The Facts And Figures
Royal Ascot Preview – Day 1 Stats & Trends
Windsor Races Preview – Monday, June 17th
Windsor Races Preview – Monday, June 10th
Yorkshire Cup Preview – King Of The Knavesmire
Windsor Races Preview – Monday, May 13th
Chester Cup Preview – Who Will Be The Roodee Shrewdie?
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
