Racing and Sports' selections for Day 2
RACE 1 - Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes (10005m)
ZELAINA (25) impressed securing a comfortable 2.75L victory at Nottingham on debut. Broke exceptionally well from the gate to make all which could be an advantage against this field. Starspangledbanner filly SPICY MARG (21) won a four-runner Newmarket contest in early May. Demonstrated a good turn of foot during the closing 200m. Big physical performer who will continue to improve through the season. American raider LENNILU (11) remains unbeaten after two starts. Easy victories recorded at Keeneland and Gulfstream. Form of a TRUE LOVE (23) second among Listed company at the Curragh could prove key. Winner appears to be a classy filly and return to 1000m will suit.
RACE 2 - Group 2 Queen's Vase (2847m)
SHACKLETON (10) appeared to need the run when well-beaten in the G2 Gallinule Stakes on seasonal reappearance. Juvenile form is strong including a third in the G3 Zetland Stakes. Leading chance. DEVIL'S ADVOCATE (4) might not have shown his best form yet. Unsuited by Epsom on return and produced a better fourth in the G2 Dante Stakes next time. Contender. SCANDINAVIA (9) was a winner of a maiden at Navan on seasonal reappearance. Improving. CARMERS (3) remains unbeaten in two starts. Stepped up from a Ballinrobe success to win the Listed Yeats Stakes. Clearly enjoys a stamina test. Holds appeal.
RACE 3 - Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1603m)
FALLEN ANGEL (4) is a proven G1 performer having taken the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas last season. Not disgraced when stepping up to this distance finishing fourth in the G1 Prix de l'Opera on final start of three-year-old campaign. Entitled to improve for a disappointing effort in the G1 Locking Stakes on reappearance. ONE LOOK (5) started the season with a success and was not disgraced when second at the Curragh next start. Looks a better filly as a four-year-old. Capable. CINDERELLA'S DREAM (1) returned to the UK winning the G2 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket. Second tackling the G1 Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf last season. Sets a high standard. Form of ELMALKA (3) running second behind the just mentioned at Newmarket could be strong. Was good enough to win the G1 1000 Guineas as a three-year-old.
RACE 4 - Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes (2004m)
LOS ANGELES (5) was a G1 Irish Derby winner as a three-year-old. Improving this season having fought hard taking the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup ahead of the re-opposing ANMAAT (1) last start. Enjoys a battle and hard to fault. The second mentioned was a surprise winner of the G1 British Champion Stakes over course and distance end of last campaign. Connections expect the seven-year-old to progress for seasonal reappearance at the Curragh. SEE THE FIRE (9) will benefit from a mares allowance. Wide margin winner at York when last seen who tends to be consistent. In the mix. MAP OF STARS (6) is an interesting French contender. Already recorded two Group wins this season. No concerns regarding race fitness. Very competitive.
RACE 5 - Royal Hunt Cup (1609m)
MY CLOUD (27) is a beautifully bred half-brother to G1 winner Palace Pier. Won a course and distance handicap resuming while given an educational ride to get the colt used to large fields when taking a Newbury contest second-up. Leading chance. QIRAT (5) was only denied a nose over 1400m at the course returning this season. Recorded two wins and two placings from six outings last campaign. Improved since gelding operation October 2023. FOX LEGACY (23) delivers second start for new trainer. Produced a winning reappearance after a gelding operation at Newmarket early May and room for further progression. THE LIFFEY (14) was a fair fourth in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes commencing the season making stable debut. Lightly campaigned after four starts. Interesting.
RACE 6 - Group 2 Kensington Palace Stakes (1609m)
KAYHANA (8) delivers second start for a new yard. Appeared to be enjoying new surroundings running a head second in a handicap at Gowran Park on seasonal reappearance. Excellent 50% place strike rate including one career win from twelve starts. ARISAIG (4) is an interesting contender. Making steady progress this campaign including a good second over course and distance last time. Capable. AROLLA (3) started the season with a strong second at Musselburgh. Thought good enough to contend Listed races as a juvenile. Consider. RAINBOWS EDGE (1) is yet to miss the frame tackling this trip in three attempts. Big ask from top weight. Progressive filly capable of overcoming current handicap mark.
RACE 7 - Listed Windsor Castle Stakes (1005m)
OLD IS GOLD (16) was purchased by Wathnan Racing ahead of the Royal meeting. Built on a debut third over course and distance with a comfortable victory attempting a Beverley contest. Plenty of speed. ROGUE LEGEND (17) is the leading Irish representative. Wide margin winner past two outings at Cork and Tipperary. Extra experience compared to some of these might prove an advantage. Exciting prospect. DICKENSIAN (6) could prove to be over-priced. Recorded a strong win at Musselburgh on debut and not beaten far when 2L sixth in a competitive course and distance conditions event second-up when taking keen hold. Better anticipated. JAN STEEN (11) finished third on second career start and winner boosted form by placing among Stakes company next time. Easy 4.5L success debuting at Thirsk. Likeable.
