Analysis and quotes as Royal Ascot sprinters limber up in Group 3 with a Group 1 pedigree

There are two primary explanations for the Achilles Stakes, a 5f Listed race at Haydock, taking place a week after the Temple Stakes, a 5f Group 2 at Haydock. The first is that the gap is normally two weeks – the Achilles card has been brought forward in 2025 to allow the Derby to be run in June. 

The second, more interesting reason is this race has been won by subsequent Group 1 winners in each of the last two years. Those are the first signs that the Achilles is set to become the slow lane for top sprinters, while those already at a certain level hare off in the Temple.

It is hoped that the process is not too gradual. Six of the nine declared runners hold an entry in a Group 1 at Royal Ascot. While No Half Measures is the paper favourite, according to ante-post markets Jasour is the one to watch in the King Charles III Stakes in 17 days' time.

Jasour lacks a run this season, and is a proven Ascot horse. That explains the disparity with the race-fit and progressive No Half Measures. Her draw in stall one is a potential snag, and it is arguable whether her potential marks her out as so much more interesting than the likes of Democracy Dilemma and Rage Of Bamby, who have similar form but are several times the price.

No Half Measures does not have a monopoly on potential, either. Leovanni won the Queen Mary last year and has run four times in all, so it is too soon to write her off as an early two-year-old. 

Leovanni: Queen Mary winner on trial for Commonwealth CupCredit: Patrick McCann

Shagraan, who won a valuable handicap over course and distance in September, is also on the up. He was best of those who stuck to the stands' side in a hot handicap at York last time and the winner American Affair did not look at all out of place in the Temple last week. While others have better claims on continuing the Achilles story as a Group 1 pointer, Shagraan has all the tools to put up a big showing today.
Race analysis by Keith Melrose

What they say

Robert Cowell, trainer of Democracy Dilemma and Seven Questions
They've both come on for their runs at Newmarket. Seven Questions got a bit outpaced, looked a bit rusty but ran on up the hill but Democracy Dilemma blew himself into the ground. They'll strip fitter.

Clive Cox, trainer of Jasour
This wasn't plan A, he had a bruised foot last week so couldn't go to Salisbury. I've been pleased with him this week. We know he's blessed with speed but his success has been achieved over six furlongs.

Richard Hughes, trainer of No Half Measures
We've been doing a bit of a rain dance all week but it's not working. She's doing well but the better the ground, the harder it's going to be.

Mick Appleby, trainer of Shagraan
He ran well at York last time when he was drawn on the wrong side. He's in good form, he likes the track and everything looks to be in his favour.

Ed Walker, trainer of Balmoral Lady
She missed the Cecil Frail last week because the ground was too quick. I'm keen to get a run into her after her fine effort under a big weight at Chester. She's a lovely filly who's still well in off her current mark.

Karl Burke, trainer of Leovanni
The idea was originally to go straight to Ascot but she's working very strongly and I'd rather run her now. I'm expecting her to run well but she's not been back long and could just get tired, especially if the ground is on the softer side. This is a great starting point and hopefully she shows enough to prove it's worth having a go at the Commonwealth Cup.
Reporting by James Stevens

Raceday Intel:

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3.15 York: 'We've been aiming her at this' - will Scenic hit the target again at York in highly competitive Bronte Cup? 

3.33 Haydock: ‘I’ve not seen as hot a John of Gaunt’ - insight on leading contenders plus key quotes for Haydock feature 

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