Royal Ascot Coronation Stakes Preview

The Coronation Stakes is the most prized race in the calendar for three-year-old fillies over a mile with the exception of the 1000 Guineas. It often attracts the best fillies from England, Ireland and France but surprisingly few Newmarket winners go on to win at Ascot.

Only Russian Rhythm (2003), Attraction (2004) and Ghanaati (2009) have won both races in the past 25 years. Sky Lantern was produced to perfection by Richard Hughes to beat Just The Judge by half a length in the Newmarket classic.

Richard Hannon’s grey has not raced since whilst Just The Judge went on to win the Irish 1000 Guineas in great style. Connections of the latter are optimistic of being able to turn the tables and there should be very little between the fillies.

Sky Lantern had previously been put in her place in the Nell Gwyn Stakes by Hot Snap, trained by the late Sir Henry Cecil. Hot Snap did not reproduce that form in the Guineas and it remains to be seen whether she will line up at Ascot. French Guineas winner Flotilla looks destined to run in the French Oaks in preference to the Coronation Stakes.

Dermot Weld’s Big Break made her seasonal debut in the Irish 1000 Guineas and she wasn’t disgraced in fourth place. Although there seems no obvious reason for her to turn the tables on Just The Judge, the daughter of Dansili will certainly strip fitter here.

Siyenica would be an interesting contender if making the trip over from France. The Aga Khan’s filly won impressively on her debut but was badly bumped at the start of her second start and finished down the field. That run can be safely ignored and the daughter of Azamour is one to watch in the betting market.

Viztoria is untried at a mile and has an alternative engagement in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes. Edward Lynam’s filly won under hands and heels riding from Johnny Murtagh at the Curragh last month over seven furlongs.