17 runners were declared for the ever competitive Moet & Chandon International Handicap, topped by the unbeaten Extremely Zain.
The Hello Youmzain colt marked himself as one to follow when a seven length winner at Newcastle on debut. He backed that up at Newbury under a penalty, staying on strongly to beat the second favourite.
Having held group entries, Extremely Zain was well backed at York on handicap debut. He powered away after suffering for room in running, belying his mark of 93.
More is required off this 8lbs higher mark, but connections believe he is a group horse in the making. Phillip Robinson, racing manager to the owner, told the Racing Post: “All being well, Extremely Zain is going to run at Ascot on Saturday. The Lennox Stakes at Goodwood had been another option for him. We’re sticking to handicap company for now, but I do think he’s a Group horse.
“He was very impressive at York last time. I don’t know if it was your regular strong York handicap that day, but he went through them nicely. I didn’t have a worry watching him that day as I thought he was always going to win. He went away from them like a horse with a lot of potential.”
Royal Ascot form to be tested
It mightn’t be the one horse contest many deem it to be, as there’s a plethora of strong form elsewhere. Spring Mile winner Mezcala returned to the winners enclosure in the Buckingham Palace House Stakes last month. He remains fairly unexposed in handicaps, and has an entry for the Celebration Mile next month.
Wokingham second Completely Random is the mount of Ryan Moore and steps back up in trip. He’s 0-2 over seven furlongs, including course and distance, but has often shaped as if it could suit him.
Saffie Osborne has made a habit landing big Saturday pots of late and rides bottom weight Amazing Journey. The Starspangledbanner gelding is 5lbs well in after winning well here over six furlongs. His record reads 3121 since being gelded, and is bred to keep on improving.
Aalto won the Bunbury Cup for the second time last time out, but failed to land a blow in this last season. Buick retains the partnership, but he has to prove he can perform away from Newmarket. The runner up Back In Black re-opposes, and he’s been threatening to land a race of this nature.