June 21 / 17.35 Ascot

17.35

Good

Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £150281.5
  • 1m 6f 34y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
ITV
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Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.00
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 11

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Won on debut at Haydock (11.6f, good) in April and comfortably made it 2-2 in Listed race at Goodwood (1m3f, good), despite his inexperience still being evident; his pedigree firmly indicates he'll be suited by this trip (dam Gretchen won the 14.5f Group 2 Park Hill) and he's a leading contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(3)

13th Sep 2024

Good

2m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Doncaster

Gregory

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Took the 1m6f Queen's Vase from the front at Royal Ascot 2023; supporting roles in his six races since but the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot was his only flop; career-best form in the Goodwood Cup next time, beaten a head by Sweet William for second; third at York (again 2m on good) last time was not at that level but some of the stars of the division are missing today and he has to be considered seriously.

11/4

3rd

3

(1)

23rd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 56y

Class 1

14:25 York

Gregory

9st 5lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Took the 1m6f Queen's Vase from the front at Royal Ascot 2023; supporting roles in his five races since but the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot was his only disappointing show and he followed that with career-best form when third in the 2m Goodwood Cup late last month; effective here and he's one of the several leading candidates on form.

9/2

3rd

3

(2)

30th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Gregory

9st 12lb

J: James Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

Took the 1m6f Queen's Vase from the front at Royal Ascot 2023; ran creditably while put in his place on next three starts, including when third in the Yorkshire Cup at York in May when shaping as if further would suit; failed to prove that with a tame show in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot (15-2), which was disappointing notwithstanding the 2m4f; this is his first go at 2m.

9/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 5-311 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won at Southwell (1m3f, AW) in April on third start and followed up on recent handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (14.5f, good); today's task is considerably tougher but he impressed last time and is an each-way possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

(3)

13th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

1m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket (July)

Saint George

9st 3lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Andrew Balding

Goodwood Cup and Great Voltigeur entry; won handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (14.5f) in June and followed that with another seriously improved piece of form when second to Gregory (beat Klondike time before) in the 1m6f Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, again on good ground; drop back to 1m5f should be fine and there's lots to like about his chance.

5/2

2nd

10

(4)

21st Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Saint George

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won at Southwell (1m3f, AW) in April on third start and followed up on recent handicap/turf debut at Doncaster (14.5f, good); today's task is considerably tougher but he impressed last time and is an each-way possible.

9/1

1st

3

(7)

3rd Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 115y

Class 2

16:00 Doncaster

Saint George

8st 11lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: Andrew Balding

Progressed in his three AW runs (1m, 1m2f and 1m3f) and last time it was when winning a novice race at Southwell, looking sure to stay further; more to give going into staying handicaps.

6/1

13/2

  • Place: £2.05

Form: 1-31

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won at Newcastle (1m2f, AW) last November on sole 2yo start and, after reappearing with solid third of five at Newbury (1m2f, soft), he defied top weight in a 3yo handicap at York (1m4f, good to firm) last month; has since been acquired by Godolphin; stayed on really well last time and this unexposed Nathaniel colt could continue to improve now up in trip; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

3

(2)

13th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Chesspiece

9st 0lb

J: Harry Davies

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

prominent early, in touch with leaders after 1f, smooth headway and went second 6f out

10/1

6th

6

(2)

23rd May 2024

Good To Firm

2m 0f 50y

Class 1

19:07 Sandown

Chesspiece

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

disputed lead, prominent after 2f, lost ground over 3f out, weakened and eased 2f out

5/1

OUR TIP

Form: 31-23

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Won at Salisbury (1m, good to firm) last September on second start and reappeared with good Listed second at Newmarket (1m2f, good); no match for the first two when third in Lingfield Derby Trial (1m4f, AW) last month, but is in excellent hands to progress and today's extra distance could help.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(5)

21st Jul 2023

Good To Soft

1m 3f 15y

Class 1

19:40 Hamilton

Circle Of Fire

9st 7lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

1m winner as a 2yo (good to firm); he has run to a fair level in his three starts this season but he's untested on slower than good and he has something to find with Chesspiece on their Royal Ascot run.

7/2

4th

3

(5)

21st Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Circle Of Fire

9st 2lb

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Won at Salisbury (1m, good to firm) last September on second start and reappeared with good Listed second at Newmarket (1m2f, good); no match for the first two when third in Lingfield Derby Trial (1m4f, AW) last month, but is in excellent hands to progress and today's extra distance could help.

6/1

3rd

1

(7)

13th May 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Lingfield (AW)

Circle Of Fire

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Sir Michael Stoute

Big-race entries; upped to 1m when justifying favouritism in novice at Salisbury (good to firm) in September, asserting in good style; second of seven in last week's Listed Newmarket Stakes (1m2f, good) was another sizeable step forward and his dam was a 1m4f AW winner; more to come.

4/1

Form: 12

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
One of three for Joseph O'Brien; Dylan Browne McMonagle has ridden on both starts; won on debut at Limerick (1m3f, soft) in April and close second to Peking Opera in Listed race at Navan (1m5f, soft) latest; having raced just twice, he could have lots more to offer and is one to be interested in.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(6)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 4f 180y

17:05 Leopardstown

Etna Rosso

9st 1lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

midfield

12/1

4th

2

(1)

24th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

18:55 Leopardstown

Etna Rosso

9st 7lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

led

5/1

5th

4

(9)

21st Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Etna Rosso

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of three for Joseph O'Brien; Dylan Browne McMonagle has ridden on both starts; won on debut at Limerick (1m3f, soft) in April and close second to Peking Opera in Listed race at Navan (1m5f, soft) latest; having raced just twice, he could have lots more to offer and is one to be interested in.

12/1

Form: 361

Last run: 12 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Behind three of these when last of six in Navan Listed race (1m5f, soft) last month but was beaten about only 2l on that second start and his strong finish in that slowly run race suggests his performance can be marked up; game win in Fairyhouse maiden (1m4f, good) 12 days ago and this unexposed colt could be about to take a big step forward; one of three for yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

30

(16)

24th Sep 2023

Yielding To Soft

2m 0f 165y

16:10 Curragh

St Vincents Garden

9st 0lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

midfield

14/1

3rd

4

(7)

24th Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

18:55 Leopardstown

St Vincents Garden

9st 7lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

bumped rival start, pushed along briefly, soon prominent, took keen hold and raced in third after 1f

12/1

6th

12

(1)

21st Jun 2023

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

St Vincents Garden

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Behind three of these when last of six in Navan Listed race (1m5f, soft) last month but was beaten about only 2l on that second start and his strong finish in that slowly run race suggests his performance can be marked up; game win in Fairyhouse maiden (1m4f, good) 12 days ago and this unexposed colt could be about to take a big step forward; one of three for yard.

11/1

Form: 21-1

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Won at Leopardstown (1m, good to yielding) last October on second start and reappeared with Listed win at Navan last month (1m5f, soft; kept on well); unexposed and is the sole runner for his top trainer, who has won this seven times since 2007; could have lots more to offer; key player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

(3)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 4

17:35 Goodwood

Peking Opera

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Listed Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien and initially looked a good prospect for hurdling; however, has struggled badly under both codes since returning from an absence.

33/1

7th

1

(2)

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 1f 24y

Class 5

16:15 Bath

Peking Opera

9st 9lb

J: Tom Queally

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Listed Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien; made a successful hurdle debut for this yard in early 2024 but it's been a struggle since then under both codes; has dropped a long way in the weights but he's hard to trust at the moment and others are preferred.

10/1

4th

2

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Peking Opera

11st 12lb

J: Jude Fernandes

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Listed Flat winner for Aidan O'Brien; made a successful hurdle debut for this yard in early 2024 but it's been a struggle since then under both codes and he's tough to trust at the minute.

12/1

33/1

Form: 1-253

Last run: 10 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
All four starts have been against fillies; Listed runner-up at Newmarket (1m2f, soft) last month and, after her odds-on 1m4f novice flop, she returned to some form in a first-time tongue-tie (retained) with fair Listed third at Goodwood (1m2f, good to firm) ten days ago; her pedigree hints this longer trip could be right up her street and she's not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(3)

12th Sep 2024

Good

1m 6f 115y

Class 1

15:35 Doncaster

Sumo Sam

9st 7lb

J: James Doyle

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

Came into her own once encountering the mud last term, galloping on relentlessly with front-running rides to win Group 2s over about 1m6f at Glorious Goodwood (by wide margin) and Doncaster (this race); flopped on reappearance this May, however, and although she returned from wind surgery with a satisfactory run (considering the good to firm ground) last month, she surely needs an absolute downpour.

9/1

4th

4

(4)

17th Aug 2024

Good

1m 5f 61y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Sumo Sam

9st 4lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Paul & Oliver Cole

took keen hold, led, raced wide, switched left and against rail after 5f, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out

7/1

33/1

Form: 16-455

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in Derby trials on first two starts this season; didn't run badly when 6l fifth of eight in 14.5f handicap at Doncaster recently and is 12lb better off with the winner Saint George, but again looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

26th Jun 2024

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:28 Worcester

Think First

10st 13lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Neil Mulholland

Very useful Flat-racer who seemed to take pretty well to this game when second in three-runner juvenile hurdle at Doncaster (2m, good) in November; well beaten in valuable Epsom handicap on Derby day but still looks interesting on return to this sphere.

11/2

9

(8)

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 2

17:15 Epsom

Think First

8st 11lb

J: Ben Coen

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; with new yard since September, for which he's had three races; second of 13 when 40-1 over C&D (good) in April, which he failed to live up to at Ascot three weeks ago but that was when tried in a hood (now discarded); bit to prove on softer than good.

18/1

8th

1

(12)

11th May 2024

Good To Soft

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

13:30 Ascot

Think First

9st 10lb

J: Neil Callan

T: Neil Mulholland

Often highly tried for previous stable; runner-up in both outings (hurdle/Flat) for new yard, latest at Epsom (1m4f, good) where he was no match for the winner but ran creditably; possibilities, provided he takes well to first-time hood.

13/2

25/1

Form: 514-

Last run: 256 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won Haydock novice (1m, good to soft) last August and fair fourth in Group 3 Zetland (1m2f, good) last October; gelded before intended reappearance at Goodwood (Listed) where withdrawn after bolting before the start (9-1 at the time); may have staying potential but lots of improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

8

(8)

14th Dec 2023

Standard

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

20:00 Chelmsford (AW)

Batemans Bay

8st 12lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Kevin Ryan

led

16/1

9th

3

(10)

15th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 3

19:30 Kempton (AW)

Batemans Bay

9st 9lb

J: David Probert

T: Kevin Ryan

took keen hold, prominent

10/1

8th

7

(13)

14th Oct 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 2

15:35 York

Batemans Bay

9st 3lb

J: Tom Eaves

T: Kevin Ryan

dwelt start, in rear

12/1

16/1

Form: 21-233

Last run: 26 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Listed runner-up at Epsom (1m2f, soft) in April on his third start and third in Listed race at Goodwood (1m3f, good) last time; no match for Gregory at Goodwood and on that evidence he's vulnerable, but stable has won this race seven times and their 3yos frequently improve when stepped up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

5

(15)

25th Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 4f 15y

Class 2

18:55 Hamilton

Hadrianus

9st 3lb

J: Oliver Stammers

T: Charlie Johnston

Has shown some useful form without getting his head in front this season; beat only one in 2m Newbury handicap last month though so needs to get back on track.

20/1

12th

14

(6)

22nd Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 2

14:25 Newbury

Hadrianus

9st 0lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Charlie Johnston

in touch with leaders

8/1

Form: 6-15

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Easily won three-runner maiden at Navan (1m5f, heavy) in April on second start then beaten just under 2l when fifth of six in Navan Listed race (1m5f, soft); he's very lightly raced and open to further improvement, but was behind Peking Opera and stablemate Etna Rosso last time so has work to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Nurburgring

11st 0lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose Flat, hurdles and chase winner; rated 144 over fences but just one win from six chase starts; pulled up on last chase start in the Galway Plate when the 6-1 favourite; again below best when beaten 24l back on the Flat latest; capable but others arrive in better form.

7/2

4th

3

2nd Nov 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 0y

14:45 Cork

Nurburgring

11st 0lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Dual-purpose Flat, hurdles and chase winner; rated 144 over fences but just one win from six chase starts; pulled up on last chase start in the Galway Plate when the 6-1 favourite; again below best when beaten 24l back on the Flat latest; capable but others arrive in better form.

7/2

14

(15)

28th Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 170y

16:22 Curragh

Nurburgring

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of seven for yard and the stable jockey rides; dual-purpose; pulled up when favourite in the Galway Plate on latest; neck second behind Ascending on last Flat start in the Ascot Stakes and 2lb better off with that rival now; blinkers replace cheekpieces; big chance.

12/1

40/1

Form: 3117-6

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Two wins (at about 1m, good/good to soft) from first three 2yo starts; heavy ground might not have suited in French Group 1 last October and he might have needed his reappearance run in the Lingfield Derby Trial; however, he finished down the field in both and others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(5)

31st May 2026

Good

1m 5f 80y

17:20 Listowel

Ndaawi

11st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart dual-purposer type got the Galway Hurdle in the stewards' room last summer and beat very useful Absurde in conditions' hurdle last month; his Flat run at Chester in September proved that he's worthy of this mark and showed he had a bit of boot when running well over 1m on AW pre-Cheltenham.

6/4

1st

5

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Ndaawi

11st 2lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won the Galway Hurdle last year off 145 (awarded race by stewards) and has also won twice on the level (rated 91); trip and ground fine here and he finished well ahead of Absurde in the County Hurdle last month, though he had a fitness edge that day; talented claimer takes off 5lb and every chance at the weights.

15/8

14th

1

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 0f 179y

Class 1

14:00 Cheltenham

Ndaawi

12st 0lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart hurdler whose two visits to this meeting have produced a third in the 2024 Fred Winter and second to Kargese in this last year; improved again to win last summer's Galway Hurdle (pipped by Helvic Dream but awarded the race after suffering interference); below par when remote third to Lossiemouth in Grade 1 Morgiana in November but warmed up for this with a fine run on AW Flat last month over a trip short of his best; while his good record in top handicap hurdles (also second in 2024 Galway Hurdle) makes him a dangerous one to discount, he'll require a high-class performance to win off 156.

20/1

500/1

Form: 9-2536

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 46

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden whose form is light years behind what today's opponents have achieved; wears a first-time visor (replacing cheekpieces).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

9

22nd Feb 2024

Standard

1m 2f 0y

Class 6

16:35 Chelmsford (AW)

Steven Seagull

8st 10lb

J: Kieran O’Neill

T: John Ryan

One win in 18 starts came in a four-runner hurdle in November and form of that race is decidedly shaky; poor under both codes since then including when well behind Reverberation over C&D in December.

20/1

8th

8

28th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

13:45 Fontwell

Steven Seagull

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: John Ryan

Lowly rated maiden on the Flat; won what turned out to be a very uncompetitive juvenile hurdle here (2m1f, heavy) in November but was pulled up when back in a handicap hurdle at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft) recently.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £14.60
Straight Forecast £11.14
Tricast £40.90
Trifecta £65.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Gregory

TOPSPEED:

Chesspiece

The Guardian:

Circle Of Fire

SPOTLIGHT:

St Vincents Garden

The Times:

Saint George

LAMBOURN:

Sumo Sam

Telegraph:

Peking Opera

Daily Mail:

Gregory

D Express:

Gregory

Daily Mirror:

Gregory

POSTDATA:

Chesspiece

NEWMARKET:

Chesspiece

The Star:

St Vincents Garden

The Sun:

Circle Of Fire

Daily Record:

Circle Of Fire