Following Monday's confirmation stage, 19 horses remain in contention for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot, the feature race on the final day of the meeting on Saturday, June 22.
They include five of the first six from last month's G2 Duke Of York S. in which Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) held on by a nose from Shouldvebeenaring (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). Last year's G1 Champion Sprint S. hero Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) could manage only fifth on the Knavesmire, but he too will command plenty of respect as one of only three previous top-level winners among the entries, along with defending champion Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and the prolific Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}).
Mitbaahy (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), a stable-mate of Khaadem, is another key contender following his victory in the G2 Greenlands S. at the Curragh, while Shartash (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) will be trying to make it three from three since joining Archie Watson. He has recently been bought by Wathnan Racing.
Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) will also carry the Wathnan colours for the first time if taking his chance in the G3 Jersey S. for which 25 horses have been entered. He was last seen filling the runner-up spot in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh, one place ahead of River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) who could be in opposition again on Saturday.
Other notable entries include a pair of Juddmonte homebreds who have already shown a high level of form, Kikkuli (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Task Force (GB) (Frankel {GB}), plus Godolphin's Romantic Style (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who was beaten just half a length in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp last time.
The other Group race on Saturday is the G2 Hardwicke S. in which last year's G1 St Leger scorer Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is set to make his return to action. His potential opponents include The King and Queen's Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Qatar Racing's G3 Aston Park S. winner Middle Earth (GB) (Roaring Lion) and US raider Missed The Cut (Quality Road), who won at the meeting in 2022 when trained by George Boughey.
Elsewhere on the card, ante-post fancies Albasheer (Ire) (Shamardal) and Dark Trooper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) feature among 66 entries for the Wokingham H., while 26 juveniles are in contention for the Listed Chesham S.
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