Who will come out on top in a fascinating rematch between four Queen's Vase rivals in Group 3 Bahrain Trophy?

The Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot produced one of the slowest finishes of the week on the round course and that led many to think that it probably wasn’t the strongest Group 2. However, the overall time compared favourably to other races run on the same afternoon.

Only the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, won by Ombudsman, was run faster furlong-by-furlong and the Queen’s Vase may be stronger than many thought. The theory will be put to the test here as four of these five ran in the race and anything other than a one-two will raise alarms.

The Queen’s Vase winner Carmers was awarded a Racing Post Rating of 110, which is in line with the average since the race became a Group 2 in 2017, and Furthur (RPR 109), Scandinavia (108), Hallelujah U (107) and Titanium Emperor (105) were in a bunch behind.

Those four take each other on again and there clearly isn’t a lot between them. The waters are also further muddied by the fact that Scandinavia and Hallelujah U didn’t have much go their way at Royal Ascot and did very well to finish as close as they did with all things considered.

Hallelujah U blew the start and ended up poorly positioned, while Scandinavia gave up the outside to nothing and raced widest at every bend. However, they ran the final furlong in an almost identical time and were a length and three-quarters faster than Furthur for that section.

There was only three-quarters of a length separating Furthur from Scandinavia at the line and Hallelujah U was just another three-quarters behind him. It’s anyone’s guess who might come out on top this time, but Scandinavia and Hallelujah U have every chance of reversing places.

Nightime Dancer is the sole contender who didn’t run in the Queen’s Vase and he represents the Derby form instead, having finished eighth at Epsom. He needs improvement to contend with the Ascot principals, but did make late gains and the longer trip should help him find it.
Analysis by Graeme Rodway

Cheekpieces applied to Scandinavia 

It is nine years since Aidan O’Brien last won this St Leger trial with Housesofparliament, who finished third at Doncaster, and he is back with Scandinavia — a 25-1 chance for Classic glory in September.

Tower Of London was second two years ago for O'Brien, whose latest contender must turn the tables with main rival and Queen's Vase runner-up Furthur after finishing fifth behind him at the royal meeting.

Scandinavia (far right): clashes with Furthur (third right) and Hallelujah U (second left) again Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The trainer said: “Scandinavia wasn't beaten far in the Queen's Vase and ran very well because he was trapped wide. We're putting cheekpieces on him as we feel they will help him concentrate."

What they say

James Owen, trainer of Hallelujah U
He ran a massive race in the Queen's Vase and is still progressive. He stays well and should handle the ground fine. We think the Vase form will be good and he's entitled to be thereabouts in a race like this.

Sean Levey, rider of Nightime Dancer
He ran very well in the Derby last time and has been crying out for this trip and I’m very much looking forward to getting back on him. It’s a small field and he goes there with a good shout.

David Egan, rider of Titanium Emperor
All five runners are rated within 5lb of each other so we’re not without a chance. He finished quite close to Scandanavia at Royal Ascot last time, he’s the strong favourite and we’re the outsider so I’m not sure how that is the case. I’m sure we will give another good account.
Reporting by David Milnes

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