Royal Ascot St James’s Palace Stakes Ante-Post Preview

The St James’s Palace Stakes traditionally brings together the top three-year-olds over a mile and Dawn Approach is on a recovery mission following his Derby flop. Jim Bolger has announced the colt as an intended runner, news that has caused a major shake up in the betting market.

Coral has decided that all ante-post bets struck on the race prior to Wednesday’s announcement will be treated as “without Dawn Approach” for settlement purposes. Dawn Approach was immediately installed as 7-4 second favourite for the race.

Aidan O’Brien’s Magician remains favourite to follow up his victories at Chester and the Curragh. The colt was thought likely to head for Epsom following his impressive win in the Dee Stakes but he showed so much speed at home that he was switched back to a mile for the Irish Guineas.

The race could hardly have worked out any better for him with Trading Leather setting a fast pace. As soon as Joseph O’Brien asked him to quicken, the race was as good as over and he strolled home three and a half lengths clear of stable companion Gale Force Ten.

Richard Hannon’s Toronado was strongly fancied for the Guineas but dropped out alarmingly quickly inside the final furlong to finish fourth. Connections are convinced that he is better than that and he will be a live threat to the big two if he can reproduce his Craven Stakes form.

Richard Fahey’s Garswood is another who disappointed at Newmarket but time may show that his best distance is shorter than a mile. He looked useful when winning the Free Handicap but has a to improve considerably on his Guineas effort.

Glory Awaits has not raced since finishing a shock second in the Guineas at 150-1. He will not be quite such long odds here. The French Guineas form could be represented by the fourth home Mshawish. There appeared no excuses for him as he was readily outpaced by the impressive Intello in the closing stages.

Roger Charlton is considering running Dundonnell after he showed a return to form at Newmarket recently. He has an alternative engagement in the Jersey Stakes but would have to carry a penalty in that event.