Royal Ascot 2016: A Shin Hikari to dazzle in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
David Metcalf | June 14, 2016
Japan star A Shin Hikari to shine in Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
A Shin Hikari produced a stunning performance when scoring last time out and looks a worthy red-hot favourite to provide Japan with a first Royal Ascot winner in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (16:20).
Trained by Masanori Sakaguchi, the five-year-old took his career record to 10 wins from 12 starts when romping to a facile success in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan on heavy ground at Chantilly last month.
After travelling strongly throughout towards the head of affairs in the hands of Yutaka Take’s, A Shin Hikari eased into the lead two from home before quickening clear in effortless fashion to beat Dariyan by 10 lengths.
Form strong and underfoot conditions fine
To win such a hot contest in such style was truly remarkable, and the form of the race is strong.
Dariyan had finished runner-up to Postponed at Meydan back in March and went into the race on the back of a success in the Group 1 Prix Ganay at Saint-cloud, and the favourite and last year’s Arc third New Bay finished a 15 length sixth.
The way in which A Shin Hikari toyed with such high class opposition marked him out as something special, and the son of Dubawi will clearly have no problem with underfoot conditions.
A Shin Hikari looks potentially head and shoulders above the opposition and, if turning up in anything like the same form as when winning the Prix d’Ispahan, is going to take the world of beating.
Found the forecast choice
Found is a top class filly, so looks the one most likely to chase home A Shin Hikari.
The Aidan O’Brien trained filly ran a blinder to be beaten just a length by Investec Derby winner Golden Horn in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes last season, and went on to gain her revenge on that rival when winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland.
Found looked in for another successful campaign when easily landing the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on her second start this season, but was then firmly put in her place when beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Fascinating Rock in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at the same venue.
Tough and consistent sort
The daughter of Galileo has since been beaten 4 1/2 lengths when runner-up to Postponed in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom, but allowed the winner first run and was far from disgraced.
Found has plenty to find with A Shin Hikari on a line through Postponed, but is a tough and consistent sort who looks sure to give it her best shot.
Related
There’s more Royal Ascot action previewed on our dedicated page.
Coral’s top tip: A Shin Hikari put in a devastating display on European debut and rates a solid bet to provide Japan with a first Royal Ascot winner. Found can chase him home.
