Ombudsman came from off the gallop under an ice-cool William Buick to easily defend his Prince of Wales’s Stakes crown.
Mississippi River and Devil’s Advocate took the field along at a strong gallop for their better-fancied stablemates Ombudsman and Minnie Hauk, and although Devil’s Advocate lasted until the furlong marker, it was clear that the race was at the mercy of Ombudsman some way out.
Almaqam and main market rival Daryz were ridden closer to Minnie Hauk who tracked the leaders early on, but all three were seriously under pressure two furlongs out whereas Buick was still sitting motionless.
Guiding his mount – who was sent off the 11/10 favourite - towards the outside to guarantee a clear run, the pair kicked clear in the closing stages for a comfortable four-length win from Minnie Hauk (15/2), with Daryz (2/1) back in third.
Whilst the win was a second for Ombudsman, and a third in the last four years for trainers John & Thady Gosden, it was also an eighth success for the blue silks of Godolphin.
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Reaction from connections
An emotional John Gosden said: “I thought the pacemakers did a good job – though it looked like Rab was back at York again at one point – but they collared them in the end. It was a truly run race which is what we wanted.
“I loved the way he picked up quickly - it might be the best performance of his life.
“They wound up meeting coming into the bend so they obviously agreed on the pace and Devils Advocate, a furlong and a half to go, I thought they’re going to have to get to him but this horse has a phenomenal turn of foot, great acceleration for a mile-and-a-quarter horse and he showed his class.
“It’s quite something to come away from this field like that. The filly (Minnie Hauk) ran great, the Arc winner Daryz ran great, and probably the horse that won in Ireland (Almaqam) might not have run his race today as he’d usually be in the shake-up.
“We had a lovely horse called Muhtarram for Sheikh Hamdan, and he won it twice, but it was only a Group Two then. He was a champion horse last year, but he has shown his class again today. I’m thrilled with him. You had an Arc winner in there, a champion racemare and another Group One winner behind him. It was a superb performance. I was taken by his explosive acceleration.
“There’s the Eclipse [at Sandown], obviously [the Juddmonte International at] York again. We will see. We’re thrilled that he’s come to Ascot and proved it again.
When asked if unlike last year the Coral-Eclipse could now come onto the agenda he said: “We always watch them for the next week to ten days and they tell you, seriously. The Juddmonte International will be a major target because he likes York.”
Buick added: “It was a little bit hard to know how good he was last year because of the nature of it. I thought what he did last year, I didn’t think many horses could do.
He was faultless going into Dubai in the spring and he had a good prep going into the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown Park which was a stepping stone for coming here.
“You just knew every step of the way he was perfect so there was a great deal of expectation. He had conditions here to suit him, but I don’t think you can ever expect a performance quite like that.
“He had a good pace to follow then you had the three or four good horses you expected to be to the fore.
“We were altogether, essentially there the maximum of three, maybe four lengths, between myself and Minnie Hauk. I think it is a true run race and I think the form will hold up.
“We had great respect for Daryz as an Arc winner. He looked so good winning Ganay and the Aga Khan this year. Minne Hauk was so good last year and Almaqam was very good in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
“We had huge respect for the opposition, but we had belief in Ombudsman as we know what he can do.
“Even by his lofty standards he pleasantly surprised me how he did it, and the feeling he gave me. It was exceptional as it is very rare for a horse to do what he did.
“He is a lovely horse to deal with as he is a real character. John and Thady have brought him along beautifully. Every season he has raced he has got stronger and better.
“He is probably now the finished article if you like. He is a very mature horse.
“The Prince Of Wales’s is one of the showcase races of the week. We all know how tough Royal Ascot is. You come here with chances and sometimes you have to wait your turn so to win this again is great."
Aidan O’Brien, trainer of the runner-up, said: “We were delighted. She is a mile and a half filly really and over a mile and a quarter she wants an end-to-end gallop, but that was going to suit the winner as well in doing that. If the lads want they can bring her back here to the King George.
“We wanted to keep it very uncomplicated today. The last day was a bit unsatisfactory, but we knew what happened, but we had to prove to ourselves what happened. She needed a run in between now and the King George and that was lovely.
“It was a solid run mile and a quarter and there was nowhere to hide out there. He (Daryz) came to go by her, but he didn’t get by her so that was good. It is all very positive.
“I couldn’t be happier with her. She is so straight forward and is a big high cruiser. Ryan rode her very confidently and there was no doubt about anything today. He said he kept travelling away down past the three down to the two. The winner was a little bit quicker than her over a mile and a quarter. We couldn’t be happier really and we are back on the right road I think.”
Irish Champion aim for Almaqam
Ed Walker said of third home Almaqam: “He can just race a little bit lazily. He was good in Ireland, but when he is in there too long he can just go to sleep. Stall one wasn’t ideal. It was beautiful ground, but I think he is a horse that wants good ground or a bit softer.
“I don’t think he was feeling the Curragh race as his weight was good and he looked amazing. It didn’t stop Bay City Roller, and that was just over a week ago when he won, I think it was more the ground.
“There are no excuses as he was beaten by three exceptional horses. I don’t think he has run disappointingly at all. It was probably the best race we have seen this year, and that we might see this year. Ombudsman was unbelievable.
“That was a hard race and I feel the Eclipse is too close, after Ireland as well. You don’t know if it is too soon until you try, but if it is too soon you then have to give them a break and you could potentially miss say a soft ground Juddmonte.
“There will be another big day in him. The Irish Champion Stakes I think will be perfect for him.”
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