Villanova Queen is set to contest at Pontefract

Jessica Harrington sends Villanova Queen, the winner of last year's Royal Ascot handicap, to Pontefract to compete in the Listed Pipalong Stakes for fillies and mares over one mile.

Although the five-year-old has had a quiet start to the season, having contested an Irish 1000 Guineas in 2022, she remains a competitive contender in today's race.

In her most recent race at Royal Ascot, Villanova Queen finished behind two of today's competitors, Doha and Elim, placing 9th out of 24 in the Kensington Palace Handicap. Despite conceding significant weight to her rivals on that occasion, today's Listed contest will see all three horses competing on equal terms.

Villanova Queen may not be the favourite, but she is certainly not without a chance in the race.