The Wizard Of Eye is gearing up to contest another prestigious prize at Ascot in Saturday's lucrative Moet & Chandon International Stakes.
Trained by Charlie Fellowes, the five-year-old secured over £50,000 with a thrilling victory in the Victoria Cup this past May, and he is currently the ante-post favourite to replicate that success over the same seven-furlong distance.
Since then, he has performed admirably, finishing sixth behind Khaadem in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting, making up ground from the back despite the shorter trip.
Fellowes commented, “He’s in good order and the plan is to head to the International. He’s won over course and distance and a mark of 102 will be no problem, I would be hopeful of another big showing. I think with the way we’ve changed riding him, Ascot really suits that style and I think it is definitely a track he will have a good record at.”
Carrytheone caught the attention of many as an unfortunate fourth in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket after encountering traffic issues, and connections are eager for redemption in this race, with Ryan Moore expected to retain the ride.
Although Aalto triumphed decisively that day, he returns with only a 3lb penalty, leaving him effectively 4lb better positioned for future races.
Billyjoh, the runner-up in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, is another contender prominent in the early betting, while Fresh, the 2022 International winner, aims for a fourth victory at the course. Last year’s runner-up Hickory has also shown impressive form at this venue.
In Group Three Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes over six furlongs, Bountiful leads the ratings. Trained by George Boughey, this juvenile filly notched wins at Thirsk and Carlisle before running a commendable fourth in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, finishing just a length and a half behind Arabian Dusk at Newmarket.
Highclere Thoroughbred Racing will also have a strong presence in the Longines Valiant Stakes, with Soprano being one of the top contenders for this one-mile Group Three event. Another filly from Boughey’s stable, this three-year-old has shown a preference for the Berkshire track, having claimed victory in the Sandringham under Billy Loughnane and finishing in the placings twice at this level last season.
Godolphin is well-represented in the Listed Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes over seven furlongs, featuring Coventry Stakes fifth Al Qudra and July Stakes third Aomori City among the entries.