Ombudsman Delivers Commanding Performance at Royal Ascot
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday saw a truly dominant display from Ombudsman, who left no room for doubt regarding his superiority. The four-year-old colt, ridden by William Buick, surged down the outside to decisively defeat Minnie Hauk and Daryz, last season’s winners of the Oaks and the Arc respectively. The 11-10 favourite opened up a commanding four-length lead by the finish line, with Buick easing the pressure in the final furlong.
Race Dynamics and Strategic Pacing
For a fleeting moment early in the straight, it appeared the race might follow a similar pattern of pace-setting discussions as the previous day. Mississippi River and Devil’s Advocate, acting as pacemakers for Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk and John & Thady Gosden’s Ombudsman, established a significant lead by the halfway mark. While Mississippi River began to falter turning in, Devil’s Advocate maintained a strong advantage at the two-furlong pole.
However, the race was effectively decided a furlong later when Ombudsman took the lead and pulled clear, echoing his victory in the same prestigious race 12 months prior. Minnie Hauk and Daryz, unable to match his acceleration, tried and failed to close the gap.
Trainer Reactions and Future Prospects
John Gosden, trainer of Ombudsman, expressed his admiration for the horse’s performance. “Devil’s Advocate, a furlong and a half to go I thought they have to get to him,” Gosden stated. “But this horse has got a phenomenal turn of foot, great acceleration for a mile-and-a-quarter horse and he just showed that class. It’s quite something to come away from the field like that. The filly [Minnie Hauk] ran great, the Arc winner [Daryz] ran great. Probably [Almaqam] might not have run his race but overall, it was one of the great performances of his career.”
Regarding future plans, Gosden indicated that the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown in early July is a possibility, but a preference might be for the International Stakes at York in mid-August. “We’ll watch him for the next week or 10 days and the horse will tell you,” Gosden explained. “You just watch, you know their habits, when they’re 100% and when they’re a little quiet. The Juddmonte International would be the major target of course. He likes York.”
Minnie Hauk and Daryz’s Performances
Aidan O’Brien was pleased with Minnie Hauk’s return to form after a disappointing run at the Curragh in May. He believes she is best suited to a mile-and-a-half. “We thought what happened the last day was that she’s really a mile-and-a-half filly,” O’Brien commented. “And over a mile-and-a-quarter [on Wednesday] she wanted an end-to-end gallop. Obviously, that was going to suit the winner as well. Ryan [Moore] said she kept travelling from the three to the two, while the winner had a little bit more speed than her over a mile and a quarter. The lads [in the Coolmore Stud syndicate] will decide what they want to do, but I’d say something like the King George [at Ascot in late July, one more run and then the Arc [at Longchamp in early October].”
Francis-Henri Graffard, Daryz’s trainer, noted that the horse’s performance was hindered by his race tactics. “They had these two pacemakers that went forward quite clear and my horse was not covered,” Graffard said. “He never really relaxed and had a chance to take a breath. I don’t think he relaxed through the race; he was out of his rhythm all the time, and that’s why he shortened up his action at the end. We didn’t see the Daryz of Longchamp, when he was nice and relaxed and quickened really strongly.”
Other Royal Ascot Highlights
The day began with Gosden’s participation in the royal procession. Meanwhile, O’Brien secured his 99th Royal meeting winner with Victorious in the Queen Mary Stakes. This victory marked O’Brien’s second consecutive Queen Mary win, following True Love’s success last year. Victorious was subsequently shortened in the odds for next year’s Classic races.
Ryan Moore’s tactical ride on Victorious was highlighted, especially given the filly’s vision impairment. O’Brien also noted that Victorious, despite running over five furlongs, is ideally suited to longer distances.
In other races, horses carrying the King & Queen’s colours, Point Of Law and Limestone, achieved fourth-place finishes. The next runner in these silks will be Golden Orbit in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
Betting Insights and Contenders
For Thursday’s Gold Cup, Trawlerman, last year’s winner, faces a strong field of younger stayers. Carmers is noted as an each-way contender at around 20-1, having previously beaten rivals such as Rahiebb and Scandinavia.
Several other races offer compelling betting propositions:
- Royal Ascot 2.30: Sea Venture is a promising debut winner with a pedigree suggesting further improvement over this trip.
- Royal Ascot 3.05: Heyzoom from Owen Burrows is potentially underestimated by the handicapper based on the quality of horses to emerge from his maiden win.
- Royal Ascot 3.40: Earth Shot is presented as an attractive alternative to Legacy Link, considering the short turnaround for the latter after her Oaks effort.
- Royal Ascot 4.50: Jamestown, starting from stall 25, is highlighted as a strong contender in a typically competitive Britannia Handicap.
- Royal Ascot 5.35: Generic’s form is backed by a strong timefigure, especially considering his previous run against the subsequent French Derby winner.
- Royal Ascot 6.10: Blue Brother is an intriguing prospect in a tight handicap, with his trainer known for preparing horses effectively first-time out.
