Tipster analysis and key quotes as Enbihaar bids for Princess of Wales's success
Princess of Wales's Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2) | 1m4f | 3yo+ | ITV4/RTV
The Group 2 Princess of Wales's Stakes is rarely treated as an end in itself. The last seven winners made their next appearance in a Group 1 or in a race that is now run as a Group 1. Incidentally, the last three all went for the Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten.
Working back to Group 1 level is the stated aim for overnight favourite Enbihaar, who is one of just two runners in the field who will be making their seasonal reappearance. The other contributing factor in choosing this race might well have been its reputation for being quite a winnable open-sex Group 2. It is unlikely to be a complete coincidence that Lancashire Oaks defector, Dame Malliot, turns up here instead.
It looks reasonable to assume this is a typical running. Most of the runners are up to scratch for the grade only on their best form. Although it is not the case that this field lacks for numbers. The Princess of Wales's is a reliably small-field event and it is over a decade since more than eight lined up.
The history of small fields and the preparatory attitude towards the race are likely contributors to the record of front-runners. Five winners in a row from 2013 made virtually all and in 2008 Lucarno famously mugged Papal Bull, who was only two weeks away from what shall be politely termed a career-defining second in the King George.
The only runner this year with an extensive history of making the pace is outsider Forest Ranger, who has never previously run over this far. Communique will probably sit where he did when winning last year, which was on the leader's quarters.
It is hard to see much more pace in the race. While plenty of previous winners have been at least as adept over staying trips, this year it could well be the case that speed is tested more than stamina.
Keith Melrose, betting editor
What they say
Alastair Donald, racing manager for King Power Racing, owners of Alounak
He needed his first run back and then we were delighted with his run at Royal Ascot in the Hardwicke. While he's effective on fast ground, any rain would be welcome and it looks a winnable race. We're quite hopeful.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Abdulla Al Mansoori, owner of Desert Encounter
He'll probably run his usual race and pick up the pieces at the end. Any rain won't hinder him and he's a good yardstick at this level.
Charlie Appleby, trainer of Old Persian
We were a little disappointed with him in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud but it was his first start after a long layoff and he has shown signs of coming forward for the run. We're applying cheekpieces and hopefully it can rekindle some of the form he showed last year.
Ed Vaughan, trainer of Dame Malliot
Plan A was the Lancashire Oaks last Saturday but we took her out as it was too soft for her at Haydock. Hopefully they don't get too much rain but Newmarket does drain well and it's just up the road.
Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Enbihaar
It's lovely to have her back. We kept her in training to try to win a Group 1. As far as we can see at home she's maintained her enthusiasm and goes about her work with relish. It's a good place to start and we hope we don't get too much rain. Hopefully she can start her season off well and we can step up from here.
Reporting by David Milnes
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Published on 8 July 2020inPreviews
Last updated 18:56, 8 July 2020
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