June 19 / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Good To Firm

Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

  • Prize money: £150281.5
  • 1m 6f 34y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV4
View Course
Queen’s Vase (Group 2)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

7/4 (Won)

  • Win: £2.75
  • Place: £1.25

Form: 13-32 BF

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to Arc and King George winner Danedream; Curragh maiden winner (1m1f, soft) and close third in Saint-Cloud Group 1 (1m2f, very soft); back to form from the front in Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good) when racing awkwardly in the penultimate furlong and put in his place by the subsequent Derby second, but keeping on well to see off the rest headed by Meydaan; leading form contender who looks sure to be suited by this extra yardage.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

(2)

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 4y

16:25 Curragh

Illinois

9st 11lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

2024 Queen's Vase winner; second in last year's Gold Cup at Royal Ascot (good to firm) and runner-up again in the Goodwood Cup (2m, good); flopped when favourite for the Irish St Leger won by Al Riffa; satisfactory return in Ormonde at Chester before a dismal Coronation Cup run; bounced back from that when landing the Queen Alexandra.

2/1

1st

8

(13)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 5f 143y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Illinois

9st 4lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Finished runner-up in last year's Gold Cup here (good to firm) and second again in the Goodwood version (2m, good), only narrowly failing to concede 14lb to Scandinavia; crystal clear claims on these favourable terms if returning to that level of form but he wasn't at his best when bidding for a second Ormonde at Chester and ran abysmally in the recent Coronation Cup when under the pump from a worryingly early stage (unwise to blame the rain-hit ground when he has soft-ground form); hard to dismiss but in equal measure he's hard to trust.

3/1

6th

4

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

14:40 Epsom

Illinois

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Runner-up in two Cup races last term; only a neck behind stablemate Jan Brueghel in the 2024 St Leger but was beaten about 5l by that opponent last month when bidding for a second success in the Ormonde at Chester, doing nothing to close their current ratings differential; perhaps in here to set the pace and ensure a proper test.

40/1

3/1

  • Place: £1.45

Form: 31

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Beaten nearly 3l by Birdman when they made their debuts at Cork (1m4f, soft) in April; much improved when justifying 11-10 favouritism in nine-runner maiden at Leopardstown (1m4f, good) 16 days later, always close up and drawing well clear in the final 2f, form which has been boosted; looks sure to make further progress and although he's one of three for Aidan O'Brien in this, he is one to take seriously.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

(2)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Highbury

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

prominent on inner

3/1

1st

3

(4)

12th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

13:50 Leopardstown

Highbury

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

travelled strongly, soon raced in second, led under 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon clear, stayed on, comfortably

15/8

1st

3

(4)

12th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

13:50 Leopardstown

Highbury

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

travelled strongly, soon raced in second, led under 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon clear, stayed on, comfortably

15/8

5/1

  • Place: £1.95

Form: 11

Last run: 32 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Too strong late on for his rivals in a 1m4f maiden at Cork (soft) and a four-runner, 1m5f Listed race at Navan (good to yielding); while that's not the best form in this line-up, he's promising and looks sure to stay.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(7)

22nd Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 0y

18:25 Leopardstown

Birdman

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Mrs John Harrington

towards rear but in touch with leaders

4/5

3rd

1

(7)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Birdman

9st 2lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

dwelt start, took keen hold, towards rear

5/1

1st

1

(1)

18th May 2024

Good To Yielding

1m 5f 0y

15:40 Navan

Birdman

9st 5lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

raced in third, nudged along under 3f out, pushed along to lead under 2f out, pushed out inside final 110yds, comfortably

7/2

Form: 1-531

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Moved into third late on in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good) but Illinois comfortably held him off for second; winning a Listed race at Goodwood (1m3f, good) two weeks later was further improvement, albeit lucky given he got first run on an exciting prospect who closed to a neck; needs to raise his game again but 1m6f makes appeal and he's one to consider.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(4)

6th Sep 2025

Standard To Slow

1m 3f 219y

Class 1

13:35 Kempton (AW)

Meydaan

9st 7lb

J: Jack Mitchell

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Creditable second in Group 3 contest at Glorious Goodwood (1m4f) last time but this is a better race for the grade; inconsistent otherwise this term; returns to AW for first time since debut win.

14/1

2nd

5

(5)

2nd Aug 2025

Soft

1m 3f 218y

Class 1

13:20 Goodwood

Meydaan

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well below form in his sole run on softer than good (on soft in France last September); last year's best shows were at 1m3f-1m6f but he delivered a big career best this May when close second in 1m2f Goodwood Listed race; two backward steps over 1m2f since see him back up in trip today; form chance relies on that one performance three starts back, so others look more solid.

4/1

5th

5

(2)

19th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Meydaan

9st 8lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

Well below form on his sole run on softer than good; last year's best shows were at 1m3f-1m6f but a big career best this May when close second in 1m2f Listed race at Goodwood; held up and never got into it in 16-runner Listed event at Royal Ascot next time; chance relies on that one Goodwood run.

8/1

12/1

Form: 4-14

Last run: 24 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Sole run as 2yo was in July; strode out well to assert in another maiden at Leopardstown (1m2f, heavy) in April and although he never threatened a serious blow in Group 3 at the Curragh (good to yielding; 11-2) last month, a slow start didn't help and he looked far more of a candidate for 1m6f than that 1m2f; lowest rated of the four O'Brien runners but should improve.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(12)

24th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 2

14:25 York

The Equator

9st 9lb

J: Gavin Ryan

T: A P O’Brien

Heavy-ground maiden winner in April who raced rather freely in rear when fifth of 11 in Group 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot (good to firm) on penultimate start; evens but not discredited, considering 1m2f, when his sights were lowered on latest; blinkers are turned to, however, for this handicap debut and he needs improvement.

13/2

2nd

4

(3)

13th Jul 2024

Good

1m 2f 40y

16:10 Navan

The Equator

9st 10lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: A P O’Brien

Leopardstown maiden win in April came over this trip on heavy; highly-tried since, never landing a blow when slow-starting fourth in Gallinule at the Curragh and again when 61/2l off stablemate Illinois in 1m6f Queen's Vase at Ascot on fast ground; big-race entries remain over further so drop in trip here may not suit although clearly the one to beat on RPR's.

6/4

5th

12

(10)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

The Equator

9st 2lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: A P O’Brien

raced wide, took keen hold, in rear

12/1

Form: 1-26

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
From a fine family that has served his owner well; winning debut when 8-11 at Newcastle (1m) in December and rallied very well when pipped at Kempton (1m3f) in another AW novice in March; however, beaten nearly 12l in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good) last time, behind two of these.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

(8)

11th Jul 2026

Good

1m 6f 87y

Class 4

17:32 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 12lb

J: Donagh Murphy

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023; well handicapped on his old form but he's been well held in his last three runs including over 1m6f at York (good) two weeks ago; down the list.

9/1

4th

4

(4)

27th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 4

15:38 York

Imperial Sovereign

9st 10lb

J: Clifford Lee

T: Philip Kirby

No wins since an odds-on debut success for Karl Burke back in 2023 but he's run with credit on plenty of occasions; that wasn't the case at Chester last time, however, and on balance he's opposable despite this career-low mark.

12/1

6th

5

(8)

30th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 196y

Class 4

14:53 Chester

Imperial Sovereign

9st 12lb

J: Jason Hart

T: Philip Kirby

Sole win (19 races) was a novice in 2023; running respectably this term, drawn wide when never able to challenge in the Chester Plate last time; competitively handicapped but probably not the percentage call.

7/1

Form: 133914

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Best on last two of his eight races, both at Goodwood when winning a 1m2f handicap (heavy) and fourth of seven in a 1m3f Listed race (good); while the latter developed as he was waiting for room, it's still rather hard to see him finding the near 4l he needs to turn the tables on Meydaan.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

5

(2)

16th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 6lb

J: Cieren Fallon

T: James Owen

1m4f winner from the front off this mark at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f) in November; has a bit to prove over 2m on Flat, including having been always behind on both starts this year; now tries a visor (often wears cheekpieces) and maybe there will be a change of tactics.

40/1

6th

1

(7)

17th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 3

16:20 Newbury

Lavender Hill Mob

9st 10lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

1m4f winner from the front (under Mason Paetel) at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f) in November; had a bit to prove on AW (and over 2m on Flat) when always behind at Kempton three weeks ago but should be benefited from that run.

14/1

8th

1

(5)

28th Mar 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 7f 218y

Class 2

14:08 Kempton (AW)

Lavender Hill Mob

10st 0lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: James Owen

1m4f winner from the front (under Mason Paetel) at Newmarket last May who also scored with a prominent ride over hurdles at Cheltenham (2m5f, soft) in November; not seen since tailed off trying nearly 3m in December; returns to Flat with a bit to prove on AW and over 2m on Flat.

10/1

Form: 3-165

Last run: 25 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won 1m4f AW novice in April on second start; last in the Chester Vase (1m4f, good) next time and although he settled rather better with a more prominent ride in Listed race at Goodwood (1m3f, good) 17 days later, the four who put him firmly in his place included two of today's rivals; while he should stay 1m6f in time, others look far more ready for this Group 2 test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20th

5

(1)

28th Jun 2025

Standard

2m 0f 56y

Class 2

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Pappano

9st 3lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: W P Mullins

2-8 on Flat for the Gosdens, gelded before showing useful form twice (once on Tapeta) staying on over 1m6f last September/October; sold for 200,000gns in October into the premier jumps yard and made his hurdle debut in the Triumph at Cheltenham no less, showing his jumping inexperience however and pulled up at 150-1; this should be much more his cup of tea.

13/2

18

(4)

17th Jun 2025

Good

1m 6f 34y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Pappano

9st 3lb

T: W P Mullins

Reserve; two AW wins last year for Gosden yard (1m4f/1m6f); 0-5 on Flat turf and pulled up on stable/hurdle debut in March when thrown in at deep end in the Triumph; however, his top Irish jumps trainer has won the last two runnings of this race (also saddles Charlus) and he could have a part to play.

8/1

14/1

Form: 36-1

Last run: 40 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
17-2 and hooded when showing vast improvement in five-runner maiden at Chester (1m4f, good to firm; Mr Hampstead third) last month, outpaced over 4f out but knuckling down and eventually finishing best to get up in the final 1f; others have achieved more but this extra distance will surely suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

4

(8)

10th Aug 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 3

15:55 Ascot

Mina Rashid

9st 12lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: Andrew Balding

Arrives here by a different route, having won a maiden at Chester (1m4f, good to firm) in May before heavy defeats in a 1m6f Group 2 at Royal Ascot and the German Derby at Hamburg; hooded on the first two of those starts; this handicap debut should be a more realistic opportunity.

9/1

9th

8

(12)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 6f 34y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Mina Rashid

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

steadied start, always behind

14/1

1st

4

(1)

10th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 2

14:05 Chester

Mina Rashid

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

May yet confirm Nottingham debut promise (1m, soft) as the AW surface perhaps partly excuses his flop at Kempton subsequently; bred to stay at least 1m2f; hood applied; possibilities back on turf.

5/1

Form: 2-430

Last run: 18 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
Minor honours first three starts, outgunned by Mina Rashid when third in a Chester maiden (1m4f, good to firm) on final run for Roger Varian; 80-1 when remote in the Derby 18 days ago and this also looks a stiff task.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(1)

1st Jul 2025

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

20:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Mr Hampstead

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Showed improved form (won/second) in 2m handicaps at Goodwood in May; came up short at Royal Ascot (2m4f) since but may have more to offer back down in trip/grade; tongue-tie applied.

8/1

12th

19

(7)

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 210y

Class 2

17:00 Ascot

Mr Hampstead

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Tailed off last June in the Derby and 1m4f Group 2 at this meeting; gelded and reappeared this season with two improved performances in 2m handicaps on good ground at Goodwood, winning the first in emphatic style and collared close home by Manxman on latest; up another 2lb but another bold show may well be on its way.

14/1

3

(5)

23rd May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

14:40 Goodwood

Mr Hampstead

9st 10lb

J: David Egan

T: Raphael E Freire

Gelded prior to emphatic success over C&D (good) this month on handicap/seasonal debut, proving suited by the new trip and opening his account at the seventh attempt; respected with further improvement plausible.

3/1

40/1

Form: 421

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Ripon (1m4f, heavy) in April on second start; while his performance at Catterick (1m4f, soft) four weeks ago in another maiden suggested that he'd be suited by longer trips, that scrambled win at 4-9 is no recommendation for a race like this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:17 Stratford

See The Green

11st 11lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Won against own age-group on hurdling debut at Ludlow (2m, good) just under a year ago but subsequent hurdle/Flat form has generally been underwhelming; not beaten far when tenth at Chepstow (2m3f, good) this month but makes only limited appeal here; headgear is switched again.

20/1

3

30th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

15:17 Stratford

See The Green

11st 11lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Won against own age-group on hurdling debut at Ludlow (2m, good) just under a year ago but subsequent hurdle/Flat form has generally been underwhelming; not beaten far when tenth at Chepstow (2m3f, good) this month but makes only limited appeal here; headgear is switched again.

20/1

17

10th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 4

16:55 Chepstow

See The Green

11st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Syd Hosie

Placed over C&D (good; behind The Magus) for Anthony Charlton on handicap hurdle debut in April but made just a satisfactory stable debut last month and has been well beaten on the Flat since; cheekpieces replace visor.

33/1

Non-runners

Grosvenor Square

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £9.30
Straight Forecast £6.46
Tricast £26.43
Trifecta £31.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Illinois

The Times:

Birdman

Telegraph:

Highbury

NEWMARKET:

Meydaan

Daily Mail:

Grosvenor Square

Daily Mirror:

Birdman

Daily Record:

Birdman

The Guardian:

Highbury

D Express:

Highbury

RP RATINGS:

Illinois

TOPSPEED:

Illinois

POSTDATA:

Illinois

The Sun:

Illinois

The Star:

Illinois