2:30pm Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
Pershaada (Sean Levey)
Pershaada is a lovely progressive filly who is a joy to train. She won a really lovely race at Goodwood a couple of weeks ago and I feel she is on the upward. We are pleased with everything she's doing at home and she should have a good chance.
5:00pm Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)
Classic (Pat Dobbs)
A lovely horse who won last time out in a nice race at Newbury, and his profile suggests a race of this nature would be to his strengths. He's a strong traveller with plenty of place and has the attributes required for Ascot's straight mile. If things fall his way he could be very competitive.
Linwood (Jamie Spencer)
Linwood heads into the race as one of the most progressive contenders in the field, following a highly encouraging campaign so far. I was very pleased with his victory in the Spring Cup at Newbury, he showed good determination and ability. He's continued to thrive at home and is certainly on the upgrade.
Witch Hunter (Joe Leavy)
The most experienced of our quartet in this race, Witchy (as he's fondly known at home) is a proven performer at this track, having won the Buckingham Palace Stakes in 2023 and taking 4th in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes in 2024. The Royal Hunt Cup always produces one of the most competitive heats of the week, and Witchy's proven class makes me optimistic that he'll have a good opportunity to show it.
6.10pm Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed)
A Bear Affair (Sean Levey)
A Bear Affair made a good impression when winning the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster in March. He has experience at Ascot already which is useful and his pedigree suggests he will appreciate the step up to 6f. He's shown us he's capable at home so I am hopeful that he could outrun market expectations.