Only Kalpana was absent from the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes declarations on Monday morning as eight were declared for what looks to be a red-hot renewal of the Wednesday feature at Royal Ascot.
Daryz booked his ticket for the race after impressing in the Prix Aga Khan IV, formerly the Prix d’Ispahan. The Sea The Stars colt was un-raced as a two-year-old, but swiftly made up for lost time going four from four last summer. His progress came undone at York, but after a prep race he got back on track when winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Two from two this season, he has the potential to be of the highest calibre.
Daryz’s main danger will be Ombudsman, who was also four from four as a three year old to begin his career. The son of Night Of Thunder produced a tremendous performance in this contest last season, achieving a Timeform mark of 130 and becoming the world’s highest-rated older horse. Ombudsman won in spite of trouble there, and confirmed that effort when reversing the form with Delacroix in the Juddmonte International. Having bettered his reappearance this year, we could witness another stellar performance.
Almaqam & Minnie Hauk among remainder
Almaqam is one of just three horses to beat Ombudsman when making all to land the 2025 Brigadier Gerard. He failed to uphold that form in the Champion Stakes, but he returned this season with a smart performance to win the Tattersalls Gold Cup. Bay City Roller has generously franked that form, but a question mark is raised as to whether he will perform to his mark on quick ground.
Minnie Hauk, along with stablemate Mississippi River, were declared late on and the former is on a retrieval mission after blotting her copybook when nine lengths behind Almaqam. After completing a heroic Oaks quadruple, she was agonisingly collared by Daryz in the Arc. She was never at the races last time, and cannot be discounted if rediscovering last season’s form.
Middleton winner See The Fire hit the frame on four occasions in Group 1 company last season including this race. As admirable as she is, she’s yet to prove she’s able to get her head in front at this level.
Dancing Gemini steps up to ten furlongs for the first time since the 2024 Eclipse. He’s yet to add to his Bet365 Mile victory last season, but he looked back to his best when a three length fourth in the Lockinge. The first-time cheek-pieces there are retained, and he looked as if this trip could suit him now.
Devils Advocate and Mississippi River will ensure this is a truly run race, which certainly looks to be one for the ages.