Today’s King’s Stand Stakes betting preview: Latest runners, trainer quotes, riders and odds for the final field at Royal Ascot
THE big clash is on in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Blue Point and Battaash, first and second in the Group 1 last year, lock horns once again. The likes of Mabs Cross and Sergei Prokofiev add further spice to a cracking race.
1. Battaash - Charles Hills/Jim Crowley (2-1)
Absolutely rapid sprinter who is surely one of the best in the world on his day.
Yet to win at Group 1 level and he was run down by Blue Point in this contest 12 months ago.
Not sure this track is ideal but he arrives in good heart and looks the one to beat.
Charlie Hills on Battaash
"We've been really pleased with him since Haydock. We've had no problems and the ground looks like it will be perfect.
"I couldn't be happier with him, to be honest. He seems to be in a good place mentally and physically this year, and is really enjoying himself.
"We're looking forward to running him."
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2. Blue Point - Charlie Appleby/James Doyle (3-1)
Top sprinter added this race to his CV last season when storming home to beat Battaash.
Had a smooth preparation out in Dubai earlier this year, culminating in a victory in the Al Quoz.
Should get a strong gallop to aim at once again and he has a massive chance.
Charlie Appleby on Blue Point
";Blue Point did nothing but thrive in Dubai over the winter, with the highlight being his victory in the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night.
";We have always felt that the stiff five furlongs at Ascot is his best trip and he seems to bring his A-game to the course.
"It looks like it is going to be a great race and another strong renewal, but we are very happy with Blue Point.
"In an ideal world, the sounder the surface the better for Blue Point, but he has won on good to soft at Ascot in the past and should be fine on the forecast ground."
3. Enzo's Lad - Michael Pitman/David Egan (50-1)
New Zealander who is a dual Group 1 winner on his home turf.
Has been off since finishing last of nine a big Group 1 contest in Hong Kong in April.
Has plenty to find on form but sprinters from the southern hemisphere have a good record at this meeting.
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4. Equilateral - Charles Hills/James McDonald (16-1)
Talented colt but there is no doubt that he has become disappointing.
Looked a Group 1 sprinter in the making, but memories of his hugely impressive novice victory at Doncaster in May last year have faded.
Solid enough run behind Mabs Cross last time (getting weight) but he will likely find a few too good again.
Charlie Hills on Equilateral
";I think he has a good each-way chance, to be honest.
"He wasn't far behind Mabs Cross (at Newmarket), who was third in this race last season.
"He's going there fresh and hopefully he'll run well."
5. Imprimis - Joseph Orseno/Frankie Dettori (10-1)
Progressive turf sprinter in the US and he showed a good attitude to beat Bound For Nowhere over 5.5f at Keeneland in April.
That horse has run well at Royal Ascot twice, so it bodes well for his chances on his European bow.
One to consider closely with Dettori in the plate.
Joseph Orseno on Imprimis
"I'm not real familiar with Battaash and Blue Point. I have watched videos of them and it's a tough race with good competition, but Imprimis is in form and doing well.
"He is coming here 100%, he'll run his race and hopefully he shows up - we respect the opposition.
"To win at Royal Ascot would be at the top of the podium in terms of my career."
6. Judicial - Julie Camacho/P J McDonald (33-1)
Smart speedster who won a Group 3 at Sandown last summer.
Had just one start this year, finishing seventh in the Palace House at Newmarket.
Likely to come up short in this company.
7. Houtzen - Toby Edmonds/Kerrin McEvoy (25-1)
Speedy filly who has won a couple of Group 3's Down Under.
The pick of her form is over 6f, but the drop back to this stiff 5f shouldn't be an issue.
Worth considering for each-way purposes.
8. Mabs Cross - Michael Dods/Paul Mulrennan (9-1)
Top sprint filly who gained a deserved Group 1 in the Prix de l'Abbaye in October.
Never-nearer third in this race last year and looked as good as ever when winning the Palace House on her return to action.
Has ground to make up on Battaash from Haydock last month, though.
Michael Dods on Mabs Cross
"Battaash was incredible at Haydock and if that horse turns up, then he is going to run a massive race. Blue Point has done well out in Dubai, probably at a lower level, but he couldn't have been more impressive, could he?
"It's a tough race and we are fully aware we are up against two very good horses in those pair, plus we don't know what this American horse (Imprimis) is like with Frankie (Dettori) on.
"Mabs Cross is well and I'm sure she will again perform well."
9. Sergei Prokofiev - Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore (6-1)
Not always appeared the most straightforward but he has plenty of ability.
Cosy winner on his return to action and will have learnt plenty in defeat at Newmarket.
Can go close for his powerful yard.
Aidan O'Brien on Sergei Prokofiev
"I was happy with his run at Newmarket. We wanted to give him experience over five furlongs against older horses and we knew it was going to be a learning experience for him, so we were happy with how he shaped.
"He should benefit from that and will hopefully show it on the racecourse on Tuesday."
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10. Soldier's Call - Archie Watson/Daniel Tudhope (14-1)
Speedy two-year-old who won the Windsor Castle at this meeting last year.
Just touched off in the Prix de l'Abbaye in October and again suffered defeat at York on his return.
Needs to raise his game significantly to land this.
11. Fairyland - Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan (20-1)
Perhaps unlucky not to win the Albany over 6f at this meeting 12 months ago.
Went on to win the Lowther and the Cheveley Park and has performed well in the English and Irish 1000 Guineas this year.
Will be suited by the return to sprinting but she needs to take a massive step forward.
12. Signora Cabello - John Quinn/Oisin Murphy (33-1)
Came out on top in a hectic finish to the Queen Mary Stakes here last term.
Not been at her best in two starts this season and there are doubts over whether she has fully trained on.
First-time blinkers need to spark a chunk of improvement.