The Mandarin’s Royal Ascot Racecard for Friday 20th June 2025
The Mandarin’s Royal Ascot Racecard for Friday 20th June
Albany Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) 2.30
Venetian Sun
Considering the week that Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore are having with their Juveniles, maybe it’s folly to go against Signora for the Albany. But, she didn’t really set the turf alight on her debut under rules at Naas, so I’m thinking we might see the best of her at three, so it could be a toss up between Hugo Palmer’s Fitzella and Karl Burke’s Venetian Sun. I’m sure that Ryan Moore is going to put his foot on the pedal from the off, on ground this quick, but Karl Burke has been making some nice noise about Venetian Sun, and that’s good enough for me.
Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) 3.05
Babouche (nb)
An absolute cracker of a race, and it’s interesting that Charlie Appleby has dropped Shadow Of Light back to this trip, considering he was third in the 2,000 Guineas, but Babouche is my pick. She’s got her ground here, and in receipt of weight from the boys, I think Colin Keane is going to get her right to the front, and facing up to Whistlejacket once again, he’ll know that those tactics could pay off. Andrew Balding’s Jonquil completes my list with Shadow Of Light, but my gut tells me Babouche.
Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes 3.40
Ethical Diamond
It would be a surprise to me if Willie Mullins didn’t land one of these valuable handicaps here this week, and Ethical Diamond looks his best bet. Fourth in this last year, when perhaps the run came a bit late, though though there was no doubting Crystal Black’s finish under Colin Keane, but Ethical Diamond under Ryan Moore is taken to go closer this time. Roger Varian’s French Duke would be my biggest worry, but Ryan Moore is so at the top of his game this week, I’ll nail my colours on Ethical Diamond.
Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) 4.20
Falakeyah (nap)
There was a suspicion that Owen Burrows might have been tempted into supplementing Falakeyah into this year’s Oaks, but instead he’s gone somewhat the other way with a drop back in trip here. I totally get that thinking, she ran so freely in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket, that Jim Crowley can loosen some rein here over this mile trip, though she’s going to have to be at her very best to fend off the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches winner, Zarigana, but this surface is an an unknown for this daughter of the brilliant Zarkarva, though Francis-Henri Graffard has been scoring in plenty of Group races back in France. Ollie Sangster’s second and third from the 1,000 Guineas seemed to have drifted in the markets since not featuring in the matching Irish Classic, but back on home soil could be tempting each-way angles, but Falakeyah gets the nudge.
Sandringham Stakes (Fillies Handicap) 5.00
Miss Nightfall
I think I’ll chance my arm with James Fanshawe’s Miss Nightfall for the Sandringham. There’s plenty of likely types, but Miss Nightfall was a model of consistency last season, and with Oisin Murphy returning to the saddle, I don’t think she’ll be far away after a decent enough return run at Goodwood last month. William Haggas took a while to score this week, but now that Merchant has broken the seal, Supermodel looks a valid prospect, while Aidan O’Brien’s Sweet Chariot has to be on any shortlist. Miss Nightfall to score with the brilliant Oisin Murphy weaving his magic.
King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) 5.35
Amiloc
Ralph Beckett’s Amiloc remains unbeaten, and I don’t think he knows where his ceiling is. Fast ground is untried, but after this he can take his place in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown Park in a couple of weeks time, so I do think he’s got the credentials for that Group One, and if so, should be winning this. The way that Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien are going this week, Puppet Master has to get a mention, while Johnny Murtagh’s Zahrann looks potentially smart, but Amiloc can win this.
Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes 6.10
Realign
I’ve had to have a good think about this, with Hammmer The Hammer dominating the field at Chester last time out, but, on balance, I’ll go with Realign. I’m pretty sure that Hammer The Hammer will fire out the stalls once again, but that could draw Realign into the pace from the far side group. Dr Richard Newland is better known for his National Hunt string, but Ruby’s Profit is another that likes to go forward, so plenty of pace on all round. Realign to score for Wathnan Racing under James Doyle.
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