15:20 Ascot

Saturday 17 October 2026

All12:5513:3014:0514:4015:2016:0016:35

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qatar Racing) (Group 1) (Str)

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 1m 39.83s

(7)

Dancing Gemini^p⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Dylan Browne McMonagle| T: R A Teal| OR: 114| D

100/1

Smart performer on his day, as shown in the last 2 renewals of the Lockinge at Newbury (fourth this season). However, not as reliable as he used to be and last 2 runs have been well below par.

Form: 0-64556

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

(5)

Docklands^p1,t⁸⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-6| J: Billy Loughnane| T: Harry Eustace| OR: 115| CD

33/1

Enhanced his excellent course record when emerging on top in a thrilling finish to the Queen Anne over C&D last year. As good as ever first 2 starts this season but turned in a rare below-par effort in latest renewal of aforementioned race. Stiff task in the Sussex Stakes latest. Cheekpieces fitted.

Form: 4-13768

(4)

More Thunder³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: Tom Marquand| T: W J Haggas| OR: 119| BF

15/2

Takes a while to warm up in his races but he's very talented, as shown when excellent second in Lockinge and Queen Anne (over C&D) first 2 starts this year. Had little trouble landing the odds in Group 2 at Doncaster last time and big run expected with this straight track suiting him so well.

Form: 4-22451

(3)

Ten Bob Tony⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-6| J: K Shoemark| T: E Walker| OR: 121| CD

7/1

Has raised his game this season, following up his Group 3 win at Epsom when holding off More Thunder in the Queen Anne over C&D. Fully confirmed that improvement when fourth in the Sussex/second in the Moulin and another solid run looks on the cards.

Form: 811442

(10)

Zeus Olympios⁶²

Age: 4| Weight: 9-6| J: C Lee| T: K R Burke| OR: 119| CD

12/1

Progressive 4-time winner (from 4 starts) on debut season in 2025, notably the Group 2 Joel at Newmarket. Stalled slightly this year but still posted several smart efforts, notably making all in Summer Mile here (round course) before neck second to Rayif in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

Form: 1-33412

(11)

Gstaad⁴¹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 125| BF| C| D

7/4

Won the Coventry here at 2 yrs. Proved no match for Bow Echo in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on return. However, after winning the Irish 2000 Guineas, he was much closer to him when second in the St James's Palace and Sussex Stakes. Disappointed in the Moulin since but well worth another chance.

Form: 1-21223

(2)

Hawk Mountain^v³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Colin Keane| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 116| D

33/1

Group 1-winning juvenile who completed a 4-timer in Group 3 at Chantilly on return. Even better form in defeat when placed in the French Derby and the Eclipse but has lost his way since. Possible pacemaker back down in trip. Visor back on.

Form: 1-12367

(6)

Needle Match⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Cieren Fallon| T: W J Haggas| OR: 106| BF

150/1

Maiden winner at Newbury on sole 2-y-o start before a promising fourth in the Greenham there on return. However, struggled in the 2000 Guineas next time and subsequent efforts suggest he's not up to this level. Possible pacemaker.

Form: 1-4027

(1)

Rayif⁶²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: C Soumillon| T: F Graffard| D

10/1

Very smart French miler who has already bagged 2 Group 1s from 3 starts this year, namely the French 2000 Guineas on return and Prix Jacques le Marois (edged out Zeus Olympios) at Deauville in August. This is his toughest task to date but he remains unexposed, particularly at 1m where he's 2-2.

Form: 113-151

(8)

Talk Of New York^h²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 120| D

3/1

Progressive 3-y-o who was a fine third to Gstaad in St James's Palace at Royal Ascot before excuses at Glorious Goodwood. Took his form to another level with a dominant Group 2 victory at Newmarket last time and looks well worth another shot at this higher level.

Form: 311321

(9)

Zavateri⁴⁹

Age: 3| Weight: 9-3| J: Charles Bishop| T: Eve Johnson Houghton| OR: 118| D

12/1

Confirmed himself one of the leading juveniles when edging out Gstaad in Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh. Met with a setback after the Greenham but he shaped very well in the Sussex on his comeback and was impressive in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Not to be underestimated.

Form: 14-2551

Forecasts

Gstaad (7/4), Talk Of New York (3/1), Ten Bob Tony (7/1), More Thunder (15/2), Rayif (10/1), Zavateri (12/1), Zeus Olympios (12/1), Docklands (33/1), Hawk Mountain (33/1), Dancing Gemini (100/1), Needle Match (150/1)

This test is likely to bring out the best in MORE THUNDER so he looks the value play in what is a wide-open renewal. Talk of New York is probably the most progressive in the field so is next best ahead of Gstaad, who arguably has the best form having pushed Bow Echo close a couple of times this summer.