Highfield Princess edges favouritism after her heroic second in the Group 1 King's Stand Stakes on Tuesday, where she was the subject of a steward's enquiry after being carried left in the closing stages. John Quinn's mare was a three-time Group 1 winner last year, including over six-and-a-half furlongs in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. She's a proven runner on the ground and the return to six furlongs could be key.
Australian runner Artorius returns to the Royal meeting after a good third in this race last year. He proved his ability at the top level in the UK by filling the same position in the Group 1 July Cup and will appreciate the rattling fast ground. Trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman have emphasised the four-year-old is in better form this season after his victory in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick in early March and he carries the hopes of the international raiders, especially after the disappointment of Coolangatta in the King's Stand.
Richard Gibson's Wellington races outside of Hong Kong for the first time after enjoying another good season. Winner of the Group 1 Chairman's Prize and Hong Kong Sprint over six furlongs, he's finished in the placings behind the world-class Lucky Sweyeness on all four starts at Sha Tin this year. He's drawn fifteen (inside of Highfield Princess in 16) with four horses achieving victory in the race from stall ten or higher since 2011.
Kinross could help Frankie Dettori's mission to be leading jockey at this year's meeting, having racked up four straight victories in Group company last season. He's probably seen to his best with ease in the ground, having won the course and distance Group 1 British Champions Sprint Stakes on good-to-soft in October. That said, he's won on good-to-firm ground in the past (Group 2 City of York Stakes in 2022) and finished a good third in the Group 1 Breeder's Cup Mile on firm in November.
Dual Wokingham Stakes winner Rohaan tries his favoured conditions at the top level for the second time, having finished fourth in the Group 1 British Champion Sprint Stakes behind Kinross in October. One of his Wokingham victories (2022) came on good-to-firm ground and he relishes the straight six furlongs at Ascot. His disappointing reappearance in the Listed Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury would be a small concern, although he never fired, and it did not look to be his true running.
Of the remainder, Charlie Appleby's Al Suhail would be of interest based on the yard's form in this race, with two winners from the last four renewals. The six-year-old has produced some good performances since being gelded and had a second attempt over six furlongs when third in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in March. Naval Crown enjoyed a similar preparation – racing in Dubai over further – before his victory in 2022 at odds of 33/1 and he could give Godolphin a good run for their money.
WIN: ARTORIUS
PLACE: AL SUHAIL
