Highlights in the opening day at Ascot
On the first day of Royal Ascot, three Guineas winners will face off in the St James's Palace Stakes. Notable Speech, Rosallion, and Metropolitan are all set to compete in this highly anticipated race.
Notable Speech, trained by Charlie Appleby, remains undefeated after defeating Rosallion in the first Classic race of the season at Newmarket. Rosallion, trained by Richard Hannon, secured his Classic victory by beating Haatem in the Irish equivalent. Metropolitan, under the guidance of Mario Baratti, won the French Guineas at ParisLongchamp, adding even more excitement to the competition.
In addition to these three talented contenders, French raider Darlinghurst, who has won four consecutive races this season, is also poised to challenge. The field is further strengthened by the presence of Henry Longfellow, Unquestionable, Alyanaabi, and Almaqam.
The action-packed day includes three Group One races in the first four events. Notably absent from the Queen Anne Stakes is Inspiral, leaving the door open for other talented runners to shine.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Big Rock, now under the care of Maurizio Guarnieri, returns to try and replicate his success at British Champions Day. Facteur Cheval, the Dubai Turf winner, and Charyn are also expected to put up a strong fight. The audience, who defeated Charyn in the Lockinge, will represent John and Thady Gosden in the absence of Inspiral.
The King Charles III Stakes features 17 contenders, with Breeders' Cup champion Mick Appleby's Big Evs among the favourites. Asfoora, Believing, Kerdos, and Regional will also vie for victory.
The Coventry Stakes will see a full field of two-year-olds competing, with Camille Pissarro and Cowardofthecounty as top contenders. Willie Mullins will aim for his fourth Ascot Stakes win in 10 years with My Lyka, while Roger Varian's Botanical hopes to shine in the Wolferton Stakes.
Mullins is also well represented in the Copper Horse Handicap with Belloccio, looking to repeat his success from last year. The day is set to be filled with thrilling races and fierce competition at Royal Ascot.