Royal Ascot began with a one-two for France in the Queen Anne and another major prize may be heading across the Channel on Wednesday thanks to Ectot (4.20) in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Now four, he will be remembered mainly as a well-backed flop in last year’s Arc de Triomphe but it may be worth forgiving that effort.
Just three weeks earlier, Ectot was the subject of some excitement when making a sweeping move around all his rivals in the Prix Niel to win with authority despite having failed to settle. That was his first outing since April, when he was similarly impressive in beating a subsequent Classic winner over a mile.
Ectot begins to look like a horse who is best caught fresh, so it may be all to the good that he missed last month’s Ganay with a minor injury. He warmed up for this with a racecourse gallop at Longchamp and connections reportedly feel he has made progress over the winter with his physique.
In an ideal world, Ectot would have matured enough to settle rather better here than has been his wont. So long as he does not run the fire out of himself, he should be able to make a bold bid in a 10-furlong race around here.
Free Eagle’s chance is clear, though he has also had a history of niggling problems and his short odds do not allow for any doubts about his readiness this time. The Grey Gatsby also has a bit to prove after two beaten efforts, though his form behind Solow in Dubai looks rather better now than it did beforehand.
Criterion is an interesting raider but Australian middle-distance types do not yet carry the same status, when they travel abroad, as do their sprinters. The greatest danger appears to be Western Hymn, unbeaten this season and a better racehorse for being gelded.
2.30 Ivawood looks a very short price and there may be each-way value in his stablemate Tupi, who seems much improved over seven furlongs on fast ground this season. When last seen, he beat a horse who was second in a Group One here on Tuesday.
3.05 The Queen Mary was an early conquest for the American trainer Wesley Ward and his Acapulco is interesting here. Though a disappointing favourite on dirt last month, she has since impressed. “All her works have been lights out,” Ward says and apparently this is a good thing. Indeed, the trainer says he has never had a horse work better on grass. When he enthuses about a runner to this extent, it has generally been worth paying attention.
3.40 Last year’s winner, Integral, will surely go well again but she must concede 5lb to Euro Charline, which is no straightforward matter. Marco Botti’s filly was only beaten a length here in the Coronation last year and later won a Grade One in the US. She started her year in Dubai with a fine fourth behind Solow, The Grey Gatsby and Mshawish and has a big chance back in female company.
5.00 Odds of 25-1 look too big about Mondialiste, beaten just a neck in the Lincoln on his first run since joining David O’Meara from France.
5.35 The winner of her only previous handicap start, Realtra is just 5lb higher and still well weighted, judged by her effort in a Listed race against colts at Epsom last time.
