This race appears tailor-made for the G1 2000 Guineas third SHADOW OF LIGHT (9). The Charlie Appleby trained colt won the G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket last season and looked as though dropping back in trip would suit on seasonal reappearance.
A main danger could come from BABOUCHE (14) who returned to something near her best winning the G3 Goffs Lacken Stakes by 2.75L at Naas last time representing trainer Ger Lyons. JONQUIL (8) is another set to go well eased in trip on the back of his runner-up effort attempting the G1 1600m Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. Aidan O'Brien trains the duo WHISTLEJACKET (12) and IDES OF MARCH (7). Both make for each-way appeal.
Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori’s Thoughts
“This is my best bet in the Group 1s of the week - SHADOW OF LIGHT (9). He showed great speed in the Guineas, most of the good horses have gone to the St James’s Palace, I think this leaves the door open for him to show his stuff”.
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The Owen Burrows-trained FALAKEYAH (6) created a massive impression landing the 2000m Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket (Rowley) in May. There's no doubt this will require more however she showed a very smart turn of foot that day and holds potential to be even better dropping back to 1600m. ZARIGANA (11) finished second in the G1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches when being handed the race by stewards at Longchamp last time out. This talented Francis-Henri Graffard trained filly could still have more to offer and brings strong form claims. Track is expected to suit. Supplemented entry KON TIKI (9) may provide a bold bid to remain unbeaten following her victory in the Listed Sky Bet Fillies Stakes at York. Each-way claims can go the way of EXACTLY (5).
Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori’s Thoughts
“This is my last Royal Ascot winner and it took me years to get. ZARIGANA (11) is my pick. She was a lucky winner of the French Guineas but she is a top class filly. Mikael Barzalona gave her too much to do and got beat but won it in the Stewards Room, but he won’t make that mistake again”.
INISHERIN (5) looked in need of the run landing the G2 Duke Of York Stakes on reappearance in May. Trained by Kevin Ryan and may take a step forward for that effort. Can win revisiting the same course and distance as his G1 Commonwealth Cup triumph last season. New Wathnan Racing purchase LAZZAT (8) maintains high class form over 1200m and could be set for this following his smooth success in a Listed event at Chantilly last month. SATONO REVE (11) finished behind a very smart sprinter in the 1200m G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin during April. Cannot be ignored as he bids to claim this contest representing Hong Kong. STORM BOY (12) disappointed on stable debut. Might bounce back racing for Aidan O'Brien. TOPGEAR (13) also merits consideration.
Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori’s Thoughts
“I like INISHERIN (5), Kevin Ryan’s horse. I have gone for him, it is a wide open race, you also have to chuck in the Japanese horse (SATONO REVE) they are raving about, you have to”.
