16:20 Royal Ascot

Wednesday 17 June 2026

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

Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 16:20 | Winning time: 2m 3.24s

(1)

Almaqam²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: K Shoemark| T: E Walker| OR: 122| D

7/1

Excellent third to Calandagan and Ombudsman in last year's Champion over C&D and grabbed a Group 1 success of his own in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Currragh (10.5f, good) on reappearance. That form looks even better in light of runner-up Bay City Roller's easy Coronation Cup win since.

Form: 31233-1

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(3)

Dancing Gemini^p³²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Rossa Ryan| T: R A Teal| OR: 118

40/1

Really smart miler (including fourth in last month's Lockinge) but he'll need to advance his form significantly for a step up in trip if he's to play a leading role here.

Form: 8390-64

(2)

Daryz²⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: M Barzalona| T: F Graffard| OR: 127| D

2/1

Mowed down Minnie Hauk late on in last year's Arc and has looked equally as good back at Longchamp over shorter trips this spring, quickening clear for impressive 3½-length wins in the Ganay and Aga Khan. Quick ground asks a different question but he increasingly looks a colt out of the top drawer.

Form: 1621-11

(4)

Devil's Advocate^p⁵⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: R Havlin| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 109| D

66/1

Smart performer but surely in here as a pacemaker for Ombudsman.

Form: 0417-24

(7)

Mississippi River^b³²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-2| J: Wayne Lordan| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 99

125/1

Acted as a pacemaker in last month's Lockinge and he's presumably here to fulfil the same role for Minnie Hauk.

Form: 451-570

(8)

Ombudsman²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: W Buick| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 128| CD

11/10

Top-class performer who burst onto the Group 1 scene when showing a potent turn of foot to land this last year. Added the International at York in August and has returned to win the Dubai Turf and Brigadier Gerard this spring. A bold bid looks assured.

Form: 1212-11

(5)

Minnie Hauk²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 8-13| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 123| BF| D

15/2

Progressed into a high-class filly last year, winning Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks before close second to Daryz in the Arc. Completed a simple task in Curragh Group 2 on reappearance and subsequent fifth to Almaqam there can be forgiven as she was found to be slightly lame behind after.

Form: 1126-15

(6)

See The Fire³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 8-13| J: Oisin Murphy| T: A M Balding| OR: 116| D

20/1

Smart mare who has won a Nottingham listed and York Group 2 (for second year in succession) this spring. Good third to Ombudsman last year but surely playing for place money at best again in such a strong renewal.

Form: 3429-11

Forecasts

Ombudsman (11/10), Daryz (2/1), Almaqam (7/1), Minnie Hauk (15/2), See The Fire (20/1), Dancing Gemini (40/1), Devil's Advocate (66/1), Mississippi River (125/1)

Races don't come much better than this. Last year's winner OMBUDSMAN is rock solid and the fact he's proven on fast ground tips the vote his way over Arc hero Daryz, who has been most impressive on a couple of return visits to Longchamp this spring. Minnie Hauk, who is closely matched with Daryz on Arc form, had an excuse for a below-par effort behind Almaqam at the Curragh last time and can bounce back to form and also play her part in what promises to be a thriller.