16:20 Royal Ascot

Tuesday 17 June 2025

All14:3015:0515:4016:2017:0017:3518:10

St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Rnd)

Off time: 16:22 | Winning time: 1m 38.41s

(5)

Field Of Gold²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Colin Keane| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 123| BF| D

8/11

Probably should have won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, finishing strongly for ½-length second to Ruling Court after conceding first run. Made no mistake in the Irish 2000 Guineas 3 weeks later under new jockey Colin Keane and he can turn the tables on Ruling Court now.

Form: 114-121

(3)

First Wave^t⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Dylan Browne McMonagle| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 94| BF| D

100/1

Off the mark at the fifth time of asking when making all in 1m Gowran maiden 6 weeks ago. The first-time tongue tie he wore on that occasion is retained. Might be in here as a pacemaker.

Form: 22-231

(1)

Henri Matisse³⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116| D

4/1

Ended his 2-y-o campaign with success in Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar and added another win at the highest level when edging out Jonquil in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp (1m, good to firm) last month. Has a bit to find with Field of Gold and Ruling Court, though.

Form: 1251-11

(7)

Officer²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 108| D

20/1

All 4 starts at the Curragh, including a 1m listed win in May. Only 7¾ lengths seventh of 9 to Field of Gold in Irish 2000 Guineas since, though. Henri Matisse looks the stable number one.

Form: 1-317

(6)

Rashabar²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: B J Meehan| OR: 113| C

25/1

Sprung a 66/1 surprise in last year's Coventry at this meeting. Has underlined that was no fluke with some smart efforts at the highest level since but he has 5¼ lengths to make up on Field of Gold from last month's Irish 2000 Guineas.

Form: 2122-24

(2)

Ruling Court^t⁴⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 121| D

4/1

Took his career record to 3-4 when holding the fast finish of Field of Gold in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) in May. A late withdrawal from the Derby at Epsom recently due to the ground being too soft. Sure to go well but might find Field of Gold too strong this time.

Form: 13-11

(4)

Windlord^p²⁴

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 105| BF| D

80/1

Placed twice at Group level but weakened to finish well behind ownermate Field of Gold in the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh (1m, good) 24 days ago. first-time cheekpieces worn on that occasion are retained. Nothing in his record to suggest he'll be up the task here.

Form: 4213-28

Forecasts

Field Of Gold (8/11), Henri Matisse (4/1), Ruling Court (4/1), Officer (20/1), Rashabar (25/1), Windlord (80/1), First Wave (100/1)

FIELD OF GOLD allowed Ruling Court first run when finishing half a length behind him in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He looked a potentially top-class miler when an easy winner of the Irish version under new rider Colin Keane since and can take his revenge on Godolphin's colt now. French Guineas winner Henri Matisse looks clear best of the rest.