Racing/Royal Ascot previewClassic hero Haafhd will take some beating in the St James's Palace Stakes on the first day of Royal Ascot today. The UltimateBet.com 2,000 Guineas winner faces Bachelor Duke, who took the Irish equivalent, and German Guineas winner Brunel, but he should prove the pick of the crop.
Barry Hills' colt was impressive in the Craven Stakes and he stepped up on that to land the Newmarket prize last month in great style. Haafhd went to the front with more than two furlongs to run and never looked in danger, holding Snow Ridge by one and three-quarter lengths, although he could probably have won by a bit more. The John Oxx-trained colt Azamour finished in third that day and looks held by both Haafhd and Bachelor Duke who beat him a length in the Curragh Guineas. Although there were worries about a lacklustre gallop last week, he proved his well-being with a sparkling piece of work over the weekend and should be spot on.
Six Perfections will appreciate the move back to a mile in the Queen Anne Stakes and although she will not be much of a price, it is hard to oppose her in this Group One contest.
The Pascal Bary-trained filly was unlucky to finish second in both the English and Irish Guineas last year, but she finally came good when claiming the Prix Jacques Le Marois and then the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Six Perfections made her seasonal bow in the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp last month but the nine-furlong trip there just seemed to catch her out. She travelled well before taking it up, but couldn't find any extra to repel Prince Kirk. It is a credit to her class that she was still within half a length at the finish, and moving back in trip here should see her back on track.
Tony James is well thought of by connections and he can oblige in the Group Two Coventry Stakes. The Clive Brittain-trained colt put up a slick display on his racecourse bow at Pontefract to beat three previous winners, including Dario Gee Gee, in good style. Darryll Holland only had to use hands and heels to record a one-length win and the second was a further six lengths in front of the third.
Johnny Murtagh can take the King's Stand Stakes for the second year running on Frizzante. The Irish rider was on board Choisir last season and he takes the mount on James Fanshawe's five-year-old this time.
Frizzante was second in a Listed race on her first run of the season but she stepped up last time to claim the Group Three Palace House Stakes at Newmarket. Avonbridge, a subsequent winner in France, ran her to a short-head there, but the pair were four lengths clear of Boogie Street. Frizzante will be having her first crack at Group Two level, but she should be able to meet the challenge.
Dark Cheetah can give Aidan O'Brien a win on the opening day in the Windsor Castle Stakes. This son of Storm Cat looked likely to improve for his debut win at Cork last month and he can follow up.
