Keith Melrose identifies the dangers to Japan in the Prince of Wales's Stakes

3.00 Royal Ascot
Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ITV/SKY
Although the lines have been blurred with the Eclipse, which this year will exclude three-year-olds, the Prince of Wales's Stakes looks much the same as it would in normal times. These are the horses that are ducking Enable, rather than the best of the Classic generation, at Sandown.
The rule of thumb in the Prince of Wales's is that there is room for only one true star in the field, often trained by Aidan O'Brien, and that looks to be the case once more. Japan was easily the best of the middle-distance three-year-olds last season, to an extent that does not show up on his record.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
- Cheltenham Festival form tested, a veteran in rude health and a mare worth noting - punting pointers for Monday's racing
- 4.12 Southwell: can Ronnies Rules put hurdling blips behind him and confirm bumper promise for Dan Skelton?
- 4.02 Leopardstown: 'I'd like to think he has every chance' - is this the day Monbeg Park gets rewarded for his consistency?
- Henry Daly chaser out to defend his crown and a handicapper to note at Huntingdon - punting pointers for Sunday
- Saturday updates: consistent Nigel Twiston-Davies chaser well supported for Doncaster's Grimthorpe Chase
- Cheltenham Festival form tested, a veteran in rude health and a mare worth noting - punting pointers for Monday's racing
- 4.12 Southwell: can Ronnies Rules put hurdling blips behind him and confirm bumper promise for Dan Skelton?
- 4.02 Leopardstown: 'I'd like to think he has every chance' - is this the day Monbeg Park gets rewarded for his consistency?
- Henry Daly chaser out to defend his crown and a handicapper to note at Huntingdon - punting pointers for Sunday
- Saturday updates: consistent Nigel Twiston-Davies chaser well supported for Doncaster's Grimthorpe Chase