16:10 Royal Ascot

Friday 19 June 2020

All13:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:40

Queen's Vase (Group 2)

Off time: 16:10 | Winning time: 3m 5.67s

(4)

Al Dabaran^b1²⁶³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 107| C

6/1

From the family of St Leger winner Masked Marvel this step up in trip is sure to suit having won twice over 7f as a 2yo (successful first two starts). Tried at up to 1m1f he's proven at this level, blinkers on first-time (has hit flat spots), player.

Form: 1132-

(2)

Berkshire Rocco¹⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 104

3/1

Off the mark at Chester (7f, good/soft) last summer (won with a bit in hand prior to excelling himself with a third in the Group 3 Zetland Stakes (1m2f, soft). Improved again in Lingfield Derby Trial (second to impressive winner), up again in trip.

Form: 4413-2

(3)

Cloud Thunder⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: David Egan| T: H Main| OR: 70

150/1

Appeared to excel himself when third at 250-1 over 1m2f in a Newbury maiden (may have been flattered), putting his previous experience to good use. May well have raced on the best ground, steps up again in trip, ought to find this too tough.

Form: 00-3

(1)

Nobel Prize²²⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: L Dettori| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 88

8/1

One of two from a yard that have had great success in this race; makes 3yo debut having signed off his 2yo season with a 1m heavy ground win at Naas. Clearly needs a greater test of stamina given his pedigree, plenty of potential up 6f in trip.

Form: 921-

(6)

On Guard⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: S Donohoe| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 81

14/1

Sole 2yo run over 1m showed that he had ability a point proven by his winning return to action at Yarmouth (11.5f, good) last week. Stays better than his pedigree would suggest, open to further progress stepping up 2½f more, faces some stout types.

Form: 2-1

(7)

Punctuation¹³

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: S De Sousa| T: A M Balding| OR: 89

20/1

Ran out an impressive/emphatic winner of second 3yo start (didn't race as 2yo) putting his 13 rivals to the sword over 1m4f at Kempton. Well beaten in Listed 1m2f contest after a break recently, may be more at home on this softer surface up in trip.

Form: 216

(5)

Santiago²⁸¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 94

10/3

Similar type to the yard's other runner in this in that he hasn't run this year but looked destined for better things over further as a 3yo. Won his final 2yo race easily (was odds-on to do so) at Listowel (1m, soft). Up in trip, useful prospect.

Form: 221-

(8)

Born With Pride¹⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 100

11/4

Only filly in the field best judged on her only 2yo start when landing a 1m Listed contest in good style (form well franked). Kempton AW return didn't go to plan (track/trip, 1m2f, looked all wrong), big chance to confirm debut impression up in trip.

Form: 1-7

Non-Runners

(9)

London Arch¹²

Weight: 9-0| Age: 3

T: C Fellowes J: B A Curtis

Forecasts

Born With Pride (11/4), Berkshire Rocco (3/1), Santiago (10/3), Al Dabaran (6/1), Nobel Prize (8/1), On Guard (14/1), Punctuation (20/1), London Arch (100/1), Cloud Thunder (150/1)

Another cracking contest that asks plenty of questions of form students. Three trainers have dominated this event since 2000 with Aidan O’Brien picking up this contest six times – he’s doubly represented by the beautifully bred Nobel Prize who looks to be crying out for this trip although its interesting that Ryan Moore chooses to ride Santiago for the yard, both are respected. Had to knock Berkshire Rocco on his second to leading Derby hope English King, he should relish this extra distance as should the first-time blinkered Al Dabaran. Oaks hope BORN WITH PRIDE has the strongest piece of form (beat Irish 1000 Guineas winner Peaceful) on 2yo debut; should relish this trip and ground.