ALL three 1,000 Guineas winners clash in a fascinating renewal of the Coronation Stakes today (3.45pm) and ELUSIVE WAVE can triumph.
David Wachman’s Again was beaten by Barry Hills’ Ghanaati at Newmarket, but then landed the Irish version a couple of weeks later on the Curragh.
Elusive Wave took the French Guineas for in-form trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and looked a filly going places. Arc winner Zarkava won that race last year, and while Rouget’s filly may not be quite in her league, she looks to be top class.
There is little to choose between all three but if Elusive Wave is able to dictate from the front like she did at Longhchamp she can come out on top.
BLACK BEAR ISLAND disappointed in the Derby, but he can get back on track in the King Edward VII Stakes (3.05pm).
Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old had the perfect profile for the Epsom Classic being a half-brother to Derby winner High Chaparral and having landed the leading trial, the Dante Stakes at York. But a slow early pace and an inability to handle Epsom saw him finish 10th behind dual Classic hero Sea The Stars.
The Sadler’s Wells colt clearly has talent and can gain compensation in the ‘Ascot Derby’ with Colm O’Donoghue – who rode him at York – on board.
LILLY LANGTRY is one of the most exciting juveniles running at Royal Ascot. On her impressive win at Naas it is hard to see her getting beat in the Albany Stakes (2.30pm), although American raider Aegean is sure to push her close after the exploits of her stable-mates this week.
O’Brien’s Danehill Dancer filly is prominent in the betting for next year’s 1,000 Guineas and can enhance her reputation with victory.
DREAM LODGE is interesting off bottom weight and may give Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan a second Royal winner in the Wolferton Handicap (4.20pm).
Other of interest are SABOTAGE in the Queens Vase (4.55pm) and SLUGGER O’TOOLE has an each-way chance in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (5.30pm).
ROYAL ASCOT (Day Four):
2.30pm Lilly Langtry
3.05pm (King Edward VII Stakes) Black Bear Island (NAP)
3.45pm (Coronation Stakes) 1 ELUSIVE WAVE 2 Ghanaati 3 Again
4.20pm Dream Lodge
4.55pm Sabotage
5.30pm Slugger O’Toole
