Roger Varian’s 1000 Guineas winning horse, Elmalka, will be facing nine competitors in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday. The unexpected victor of the fillies' Classic at Newmarket last month will have the opportunity to demonstrate her skill in the upcoming race.
The favourite for the event is Opera Singer, trained by Aidan O’Brien, who is expected to show improvement from her third-place finish in the Irish 1000 Guineas. Ballydoyle handler also has Content as an outsider and possible pacemaker in the race.
Porta Fortuna, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, and Ramatuelle, trained by Christopher Head, will be challenging Elmalka after finishing closely behind her in the Newmarket race. Additionally, Francis-Henri Graffard’s Rouhiya, winner of the French Guineas, will also be competing.
Other contenders in the Coronation Stakes include Devoted Queen, Folgaria, See The Fire, and Skellet.
In the Commonwealth Cup, a group of 15 sprinters will be vying for the top spot. Inisherin and Elite Status are the top favourites in the market, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. Inisherin was added to the race after his impressive win at Haydock, while Elite Status showcased dominance in the Carnarvon Stakes at Newbury.
Jasour, winner of the Commonwealth Cup Trial, and a field of other talented sprinters will also be competing. Aidan O’Brien's River Tiber is expected to participate in the Jersey Stakes on Saturday, instead of the Commonwealth Cup.
The Albany Stakes will feature Fairy Godmother as the hot favourite among 17 runners, including Mountain Breeze trained by Appleby. The King Edward VII Stakes will have 14 colts in the mix, with Space Legend and a group of runners from Aidan O’Brien including Agenda, Chief Little Rock, Diego Velazquez, and The Euphrates.