Royal Ascot will commence on Tuesday with a mouthwatering clash between three Guineas winners in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Newmarket hero Notable Speech will rematch with Irish Guineas winner Rosallion, with the surprise French Guineas victor Metropolitan making the journey across the Channel. It may not be a simple task for the three Guineas colts though, with the beautifully bred Henry Longfellow and Unquestionable representing the Aidan O'Brien yard alongside the improving Alynaabi and Almaqam.
The St James's Palace Stakes is not the only Group 1 on the card, with the older milers on show in the Queen Anne Stakes. Inspiral is the notable absentee from the field, with connections choosing to head for the mile-and-a-quarter Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday. Last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Big Rock will be aiming to emulate his Champions Day success whilst fellow French raider Facteur Cheval represents Jerome Reynier.
Cheveley Park Stud have not been left without representation in the Queen Anne, with Inspiral's stablemate Audience representing the owners. The gelding was a runaway winner of the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes on his mile debut and will be joined on his quest for a Royal Ascot success by the improving Charyn.
It could be an exciting renewal of the newly re-named King Charles III Stakes (formerly the King's Stand) with Breeders' Cup winner Big Evs aiming to cement his position as the leading sprinter against older rivals. He faces some interesting opponents, including the sole Australian representative at the meeting, Asfoora.
Elsewhere on the card, the Coventry Stakes is the first juvenile event of the week and Willie Mullins will be aiming for back to back victories in the Copper Horse Handicap, a race he won twelve months ago with Vauban.
