The prestigious horse racing carnival in the world kicks off this evening at Royal Ascot with three Group 1 races taking place on Day 1.
The St James’s Palace Stakes is one of those Group 1 races and takes place over 1603m for the three-year-old colts.
The race has been won by some champion horses including Frankel (2011) and Rock Of Gibraltar (2002).
Aidan O’Brien has won the race a record eight times.
Our full 2023 St James’s Palace Stakes Preview can be found below.
Returned as three-year-old by taking out a Group 3 event Newberry just ahead of the race favourite Chaldean minus Frankie Dettori who had been dumped upon leaving of the barriers.
Despite his main rival not taking part, he won the race by three lengths eased down and they beat the third horse home by another 5.5 lengths.
He was nabbed right on the line in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas as favourite but los few admirers and the winner of that race, Marhaba Ya Sanafi has since finished third at Group 1 level.
He’ll be fitter for that run and represents good each way value at his current quote.
This is a race that lends itself to a progressive type of horse that has been working through the grades and Cicero’s Gift fits that profile perfectly.
The son of Muhaarar is unbeaten from just three career starts, none more impressive than his 5.5 length win at Goodwood last time out when he showed an exceptional turn of foot late in the race.
This is a massive step up in class but he is clearly a colt with a heap of upside and he represents good value at his current price.
Aidan O’Brien certainly knows how to win this race and he saddles up the very progressive colt Paddington who has quickly worked through the grades.
He won a 3YO handicap, then a listed event before taking out the Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas last month.
It was evident that he is still very green but despite drifting out in the concluding stages of the race he won very impressively and ran right through the line.
Further improvement, clear natural ability and Ryan Moore steering has him as a leading chance.
Mostabshir was well beaten when resuming as a three-year-old at Group 3 level over the mile, beaten 7.8 lengths.
William Buick climbed aboard at York last start and the horse absolutely gapped the field in a five length win that has me willing to forgive his first up failure.
He had them beat at the 300m mark in that event and it was hard not to be impressed with the ease in which he won.