ST James’s Palace Stakes betting preview

Won last year by the amazing Frankel, this year’s St James’s Palace Stakes promises to be another fantastic renewal as the Classic generation collides with the winners of the French and Irish 2,000 Guineas winners respectively. Aidan O’Brien responsible for six of the last 12 winners of this race looks to hold another strong hand with Power, who scooped the Irish 2,000 Guineas last month. He got the better of Foxtrot Romeo that day but will meet that rival again here, while Brian Meehan’s Most Improved and French 2,000 Guineas winner Lucayan also feature prominently in the betting. Get a free £25 bet on any race at Royal Ascot with William Hill or check out our Royal Ascot free bets section.

A Group One race over a mile for three-year-old colts only, the St James’s Palace is arguably the main event on Day One of Royal Ascot.  The likely favourite Power will be tackling a mile for only the third time but after a disappointing showing in the English 2,000 Guineas he bounced right back to form in the Irish equivalent at The Curragh at the end of May. Interestingly, 11 of the last 12 St James’s Palace winners had finished in the first two of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, or in the Irish or French equivalent and Power’s profile certainly fits that bill. And perhaps just as significant is the fact Power had Hermival, Born To Sea and Foxtrot Romeo trailing in behind on his way to victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. On that evidence and on paper, he is the one they all have to beat.

Hermival Lightly raced colt with just four career runs to his name but he was a likeable third behind Camelot in the 2,000 Guineas after finishing best of those in the far side group.  Last time out at The Curragh he was never able to trouble the leaders but a repeat of his Newmarket third would put him in with a major shout. Visit our Cheltenham Festival section to get some great free bet offers.

Born To Sea Half-brother to Sea The Stars who broke his maiden tag at the first time of asking over 6f at The Curragh. Finished twelfth of 18 in the 2,000 Guineas on his penultimate run but made some good late headway (finished fifth) in the Irish equivalent last month behind Power and Foxtrot Romeo. Should give his running once again and should be thereabouts.

Most Improved Off the mark over 7f at Newmarket last August and close third in the Dewhurst on his final run last year behind Parish Hall and Power. Contested the Prix Du Jockey Club in France earlier this month but was short of room when keeping on to finishing fourteenth of 20. Should get a mile and granted a bit of luck in running is one to note seriously.

Lucayan French raider who is yet to finish out of the first two places in his five career outings, winning three of them. Sprung a 33-1 surprise in a Group One at Longchamp last month getting up in the last strides and can often be seen doing his best work late on. Not to be taken lightly given his impressive record in France but unproven on British soil.

Foxtrot Romeo Really good second to Power in Irish 2,000 Guineas after progression in Group Two Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury last year. Ground and trip expected to be no problem though and a repeat of his latest run would put him in the picture.

A highly competitive renewal which should set the pulses racing in the Royal enclosures and the Brian Meehan-trained Most Improved should be competitive granted a trouble free passage. Hermival’s third to Camelot in the 2,000 Guineas looks very solid but preference is for POWER who can keep up his trainer’s excellent record in this race. Get a free £25 bet on any race at Royal Ascot with William Hill.

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