Ruling Court and Field Of Gold’s 2,000 Guineas rematch is the main attraction on a stellar opening day of Royal Ascot after a star-studded line-up for today was confirmed.
All eyes will be drawn to the pair in the St James’s Palace Stakes (4.20) where, as it stands, Ruling Court has the advantage. He won by half a length at Newmarket but his rival has since produced a stunning display in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and is favourite to gain revenge.
Taking on the top two is French 2,000 Guineas winner Henri Matisse, who bids to give Aidan O’Brien a record-extending tenth win in the race. Opera Ballo and Shadow Of Light were among those taken out at the declaration stage.
The opening Queen Anne Stakes (2.30) will start the meeting off in style with last year’s St James’s Palace Stakes winner Rosallion heading a field of 11.
Rematches are a theme on day one as Lead Artist, who beat Rosallion on his return in the Lockinge, looks to claim a second Group 1. Dancing Gemini, who will be reunited with Kieran Shoemark, and last season’s 2,000 Guineas hero Notable Speech are also representing the Lockinge form in the line-up, while the Australian-trained Carl Spackler and course-and-distance winner Sardinian Warrior are others to note.
A field of 23 has been declared for the King Charles III Stakes (3.40), the second of three Group 1 races on the card, including last year’s winner Asfoora. The Australian-trained runner clashes once again with Regional and Believing, who finished behind him 12 months ago.
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