Royal Ascot tips: Your top pinstickers’ guide to the King’s Stand Stakes at Ascot
Steve Jones runs you through the contenders for the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot this Tuesday
GET the Batt mobile started for the King’s Stand Stakes.
BATTAASH is one of the best 5f sprinters I’ve seen. His Abbaye win at Chantily on Arc day was sensational.
If he’s in that sort of form American speedster Lady Aurelia – winner of this race 12 months ago – is in for a big shock.
Battaash 5/5
I’m a Bat man forever. On his day the quickest sprinter I’ve seen. Last season’s Abbaye defeat of Marsha was sensational. Sure to improve on his winning return and has the tools to down Lady Aurelia.
Blue Point 3/5
No Point. Third behind Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup here 12 months ago. Best at 6f and probably only runs here to avoid Harry Angel in the Diamond Jubilee. Lacks the pace for this trip.
Bucchero 2/5
Don’t bet a Buc. This American raider landed a Grade 2 before finishing a shock fourth in the Breeders’ Cup. Beaten in all three races this year and likely to be again.
Finsbury Square 3/5
Square deal. Doesn’t win very often but this smart French sprinter has bits of form to give him a chance. Struck in a Group 2 last time but well held by Battaash in the Abbaye. Could have done with softer ground.
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Gifted Master 1/5
Gift won’t give. Sole Group win came more than two years ago and he’s much better over further. Hard to see him making an impression.
Kachy 3/5
Kach me if you can. Blistering early pace and only beaten a neck in third behind Battaash at Haydock last time. Worse off at the weights and likely to be taken on for the lead.
Ornate 1/5
Orn for nothing. Comes up short in Listed races so no surprise to see him stuffed in Group races. Flying way too high.
Primo Uomo 2/5
Prim’s not proper. Spent most of career in handicaps but came good in a Listed race in April. This is a big jump in grade and the quicker ground is also a worry.
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Washington DC 3
Out with the Washing. Had ten goes at this level without success. Doesn’t win as often as he should but only beaten a head by Battaash last month. Worse off at the weights today.
Lady Aurelia 4/5
Aur-some. Going for a Royal Ascot hat-trick. Superb in this race last year before nosed out of the Nunthorpe. The main danger by a country mile in a mouth-watering match-up.
Mabs Cross 4/5
Cross swords. This smart filly deserves a crack at a top prize. Won four on the bounce last season and came home well behind Battaash last time. Will get a strong pace and could hit the frame.
Battle Of Jericho 1/5
Jeri can’t. Well beaten on his only try at 5f last season. Sent off 1-7 when seeing off some modest rivals over 6f at Fairyhouse last time. Huge amount on his plate now.
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Declarationofpeace 2/5
Don’t hit the Dec. Outclassed in Group 1s last season but ended the year with American Listed success. Trailed in last on his return at York and that’s hardly a decent prep for this.
Different League 2/5
Non League. Won the Albany at last year’s Royal Ascot when trained in France. Placed in Group 1s later in the season but held in Listed races this year. Hard to think 5f is the key to her.