International stars and domestic talent feature in dazzling Royal Ascot entries

The Group 1 entries for Royal Ascot promise sprinting stars from across four continents as well as one of Japan's established middle-distance powers as the main attraction for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

Japanese Derby winner Shahryar showed that travel was no issue when defeating Breeders' Cup Turf hero Yibir in the Dubai Sheema Classic last month and the Derby heroes could meet for the first time at a royal meeting as Adayar also holds a Prince of Wales's entry.

Trainer Hideaki Fujiwara described the £1 million feature as "the ideal spot" for Shahryar, who in addition to his top-level successes at Tokyo and Meydan, finished third to Contrail in the Japan Cup.

William Haggas has made no secret of his belief Baaeed could benefit from a step up in trip to a mile and a quarter at some stage this season and Shadwell's unbeaten son of Sea The Stars is in the Prince of Wales's as well as the Queen Anne over a mile.

Shahryar (Cristian Demuro) beats Yibir in the Sheema ClassicMeydan 26.3.22 Pic: Edward WhitakerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Further intercontinental interest could emerge in the Queen Anne with Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield entering recent Keeneland Grade 1 winner Shirl's Speight.

Australian-based Chris Waller has made good on his promise to enter both Nature Strip and Home Affairs in the two Grade 1 sprints of the week, with the King's Stand Stakes over five furlongs and a clash with the Wesley Ward-trained Golden Pal looking the likely target for Nature Strip.

Should Home Affairs – who like Golden Pal is owned by the Coolmore partners – be aimed at the renamed Platinum Jubilee Stakes over six furlongs on the Saturday, he could face fellow Australian challenger Artorius as well as Grenadier Guards from Japan and US speedsters Campanelle and Caravel.

"Nature Strip really etched his name in the history books when winning his third TJ Smith Stakes, which brought his total prize- money up to AUS$18m [£10m]," said Waller's assistant trainer and racing manager Charlie Duckworth. "He's a champion year in, year out, and most importantly doesn't seem to be slowing down despite his age.

Nature Strip (left) and Home Affairs are both heading to Royal Ascot for trainer Chris WallerCredit: Reg Ryan

"Home Affairs was terrific in winning the Lightning Stakes – and doing it against the older horses proves he is a weight-for-age sprinter and not just the best in his age group. The plan is for both horses to do the majority of their work on home soil before travelling to England."

The King's Stand clash between Nature Strip and Golden Pal could be one of the highlights of the week, with Europe's top five-furlong horses such as A Case Of You, Winter Power and Suesa all engaged.

Wesley Ward said of Golden Pal: "It was a powerful performance from him in the Shakertown – but it was a comeback and I really think his next run is going to be something special.

"He's a once in a lifetime horse – certainly the best I have ever had – and I think he will stamp that with his performance at Ascot if he runs as I'm expecting him to."

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