
Andy Holding explains why it would be a massive shock if one of the boys in blue for Godolphin doesn’t win the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Godolphin to take Classics form into Royal Ascot?
Four Classics down and, overall, Godolphin must be pleased with the ways things have gone so far. Firstly, Coroebus started the ball rolling in the 2000 Guineas before, as expected, Native Trail proved the dominant force in the Irish version over the weekend.
Whether connections will want to run them against each other again in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot remains to be seen (Coroebus 4/6 and Native Trail 4/1), and let's not forget they also have Modern News (best price 7/1) to add into the mix following his impressive display in France.
For a full ante-post preview of the St James's Palace Stakes, click HERE.
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All in all, the boys in blue have an embarrassment of riches in this division and it will be a massive shock if they don't win the big three-year-old mile contest on day one of the meeting in June.
Horse | Best Price | Worst Price | Owner |
---|---|---|---|
Coroebus | 4/6 | 4/7 | Godolphin |
Native Trail | 4/1 | 3/1 | Godolphin |
Modern Games | 7/1 | 5/1 | Godolphin |
Maljoom | 12/1 | 8/1 | Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum |
Eydon | 14/1 | 14/1 | Prince A A Faisal |
Aidan O’Brien seeks middle distance change of fortunes
In contrast, Ballydoyle have yet to produce a top class three-year-old miler of note, so they will be hoping that their luck changes when it comes to the middle distance races further down the line.
Their best return came courtesy of placed efforts by Tuesday in both versions and she would have to be an interesting contender for the Oaks should connections decide to roll the dice with her again.
Concert Hall also comes into the Epsom argument on account of her late flurry at The Curragh and her pedigree strongly suggests she will be well suited by 1m4f.
Where next for the Irish 1000 Guineas winner?
The winner of the Guineas, Homeless Songs, appears a worthy favourite for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and given how she ripped apart a strong-looking field at The Curragh, there's a definite argument she should be shorter than current 2/1 quotes for the next Group 1 fillies' mile contest.