Mutasaabeq (GB)

Thursday to Friday at Royal Ascot was like chalk and cheese and now that the meeting has become chopped in two by the unprecedented rainstorm there is only need for mudlarks to apply for Saturday's finale. Just as David Ward's Primo Bacio (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) was pulled out of the G1 Coronation S. on Friday, so there must be a major doubt as to whether his Starman (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) will be allowed to take part in Saturday's G1 Diamond Jubilee S. Looking the one to beat before the...

Shadwell's Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is aiming to defend his G1 King's Stand S. title at Royal Ascot and is training well trainer Charlie Hills reports. The 7-year-old gelding is thriving at Hills's yard in Lamborne after recovering from a small fracture sustained in the off season. The bay was undefeated in three starts last term, beginning in with the King's Stand in June, followed by the July 31 G2 King George Qatar S. and the Aug. 21 G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe S. "Battaash has been back with us a...

A knee chip sustained while running in the G3 Greenham S. on Sunday has knocked Shadwell's Alkumait (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) out of action until the autumn. The colt won a Goodwood maiden second up in July, and then added the G2 Mill Reef S. at Newbury on Sept. 19 prior to a last-placed run in the G1 Dewhurst S. on Oct. 10. Shelved until Apr. 18, the bay ran seventh in the Greenham over seven furlongs. Shadwell Racing Manager Angus Gold said, "Sadly he's come out of it with a...

It may have been one of the 3-year-old contests at Newmarket's Craven meeting that did not carry black-type, but Tuesday's bet365 British EBF Conditions S. witnessed a potential class act that could stand alongside any of this week's established Guineas trial winners as Shadwell's regally-bred Mutasaabeq (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) made all to blitz his rivals and earn TDN Rising Star status. Doing it the other way around when successful over this seven-furlong trip on heavy ground on debut here in October, the son of the G1 1000 Guineas and...