6f Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+)
The British sprinting division is wide-open at the moment with no clear standout performer in open company. That was proven on Tuesday when Aussie radar Asfoora proved best over five furlongs. In fourth place in the same race and staying on from a horrible draw out on the wing in stall one was BELIEVING who looks a big improving filly this season. She came away to win impressively on her penultimate start, but arguably ran another career best in the King Charles III Stakes to be part of a front four that came clear at the finish.
Believing clearly likes this type of ground and is probably better suited to a 6f trip vs a 5f trip. Looking further back in her form, she had the beating of Millstream and Swingalong in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock last season as a three-year-old so this progressive four-year-old could be a tough nut to crack if not feeling the exertions from her run on Tuesday. She is one to stay on the right side of from a better draw this time in stall 5.
The other one I want to be with is the recently gelded SHARTASH, who has a really interesting profile for Archie Watson. Shartash was considered in the top echelons of juvenile sprinters in 2022 finishing 4th in the Group 1 Jean Luc-Lagadere when owned by the Aga Khan. He won the Group 2 Railway Stakes before placing in two Group 1’s in a productive juvenile.
For one reason or another Shartash lost his way in 2023, but since being gelded and moved to Archie Watson he has looked electric in two 7f races. One of those wins was on soft ground whereas last time out he won on good to firm and showed plenty of speed from the stalls to think that a stiff 6f at Ascot might just suit him down to the ground. I feel like he is coming into this slightly under the radar, but could be a coming force in the sprint division for owners Wathnan Racing, who have had a good week. He could be another shrewd purchase that gives them success at the Royal meeting.
1pt win Shartash @7/1, 15:45 Royal Ascot, Saturday
1pt win Believing @15/2, 15:45 Royal Ascot, Saturday