Royal Ascot 2019: Oisin Murphy picks out his best ride of the meeting as excitement builds
ANTICIPATION is building for Oisin Murphy as the Jockeys Championship leader sets his sights on further Royal Ascot glory.
The County Kerry native, who has set off at a blistering pace in his pursuit of a first title, has thrived on the big stage in recent seasons.
He formed a memorable partnership with Roaring Lion last term, while he broke his Royal Ascot duck in 2017 aboard Godolphin's Benbatl in the Hampton Court Stakes.
The 23-year-old doubled his tally at Flat racing's most glamorous festival when steering Signora Cabello to a thrilling success in the Queen Mary last season and, needless to say, he is hungry for more.
Murphy told Sun Racing: ";Every jockey in the world wants to ride at Royal Ascot and get winners there.
"Obviously it's very competitive and you need the right team of horses behind you, but I think I've got a strong book of rides this year.
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"When I rode my first winner it was huge, special, a massive relief.
"It was the first time I was going there feeling like I had a genuine chance of a winner there. We got a good trip thankfully and Benbatl showed his class."
The apple of Murphy's eye right now is Guildsman, a very promising Archie Watson-trained two-year-old who will tackle the Coventry Stakes on the opening day.
The colt thumped his rivals by six lengths on debut at Goodwood earlier this month, and the recent rainfall won't harm his chances in the Group 2, for which he is a top-price 12-1 with Hills.
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Murphy said: "On the first day I'm really looking forward to Guildsman in the Coventry.
"Archie Watson does brilliantly with his two-year-old's and this lad bolted up on his debut at Goodwood, he's a lovely horse.
"This rain will do his chance no harm, we are very unlikely to start on quick ground at this rate and I'm hoping he can start the week off on a good note.
"He's by Wootton Bassett out of a very stout female line so the soft ground won't bother him at all."
As far as established stars go, they don't come much bigger than multiple Group 1 winner The Tin Man who will be chasing his second win in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.
Murphy took over from Tom Queally on the seven-year-old in September last year, christening the relationship with a big win in Haydock's Sprint Cup, and James Fanshawe's speedster is reported to be ticking along nicely.
Murphy said: "He's come forward from his prep run at Windsor. James is fantastic at getting his horses to peak on the big day.
"He ran really well on his reappearance. I think it's important to note the difficulty that horses have carrying a penalty, particularly in sprints.
"He is a top sprinter and a brilliant horse to have an association with."
Many of Europe's finest will grace the turf at Ascot next week, but Murphy didn't hesitate in the slightest when asked which horse he would love to be able to ride.
He said: "Phoenix Of Spain goes to the St James's Palace with a huge chance.
"I think he will improve for his Irish 2000 Guineas win and it would be great to see Jamie Spencer riding another Group 1 winner at Ascot."
QIPCO British Champions Series showcases the finest Flat racing, with eight Series races taking place during Royal Ascot from 18-22 June. For more info go to