1m (Str) Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+)
This doesn’t look like a high quality renewal of the Queen Anne Stakes, but it is set to be run at a ferocious pace with recent surprise Lockinge winner, Audience, and last years QE II winner Big Rock likely to go off hard in front. That could set it up nicely for those who come from off the pace and with both market principles, Charyn and FACTEUR CHEVAL, that tend to be dropped in they are fancied to take a strong hand here.
Charyn has looked a much improved performer this season, but Facteur Cheval managed to give Charyn half a stone and a big beating in the Sussex Stakes last season on soft ground at Goodwood. Admittedly, Facteur Cheval has less form on a quicker surface, but he found it no problem when winning the Dubai Turf in Meydan over 1m 1f earlier this season. The second and third in that race have both massively franked the form at the highest level internationally and Facteur Cheval looks a very solid pick as a result.
I’m also tempted by another French runner in DOLAYLI, who is unproven on quick ground, but may just improve hugely for the sounder surface. Doylayli is exceptionally well bred by a multiple Group 1 winner on Dolniya. This son of Siyouni has been mighty progressive for Francois Grafford. Dolayli put in a career-best performance last time out when just getting outstayed over 1m 1f in the Group 1 Pirx D’Ispahan on soft ground at Longchamp where he mixed it with some of the best milers that the French racing scene can offer. That was his first attempt in Group 1 company and Dolayli acquitted himself well for his yard. The stiff mile at Ascot should suit him as he should get this trip well and I think he has gone unnoticed at 16/1 by the bookmakers.
It’s possible Royal Scotsman can follow-up a good Group 3 Epsom success here if the ground is suitable and the much-more fragile Maljoom could also bounce back to the form that saw him finish second in the 2022 edition of the St James Place stakes.
1pt win Facteur Cheval @4/1, 14:30 Royal Ascot, Tuesday
1pt win Dolayli @16/1, 14:30 Royal Ascot, Tuesday