Aidan O’Brien, the horse racing wizard from Ballydoyle, is hot on the heels of Sir Michael Stoute’s all-time record of 82 wins at the Royal Ascot. With a whopping 81 victories under his belt, O’Brien is not just a stone’s throw away from the record but is also bringing a formidable team to Berkshire for the five-day event, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing from June 20 to June 24.
Let’s take a sneak peek at seven races where O’Brien’s horses could potentially steal the show:
St James’s Palace Stakes – Paddington 11/4
Paddington, the Irish 2000 Guineas champion, is a dark horse who has been gradually gaining momentum this season. His victory in the Curragh maiden last year and the Madrid Handicap at Naas in March are testaments to his potential.
His season began in a handicap, a move that is considered unconventional in Ballydoyle. Despite a disappointing debut at Ascot, Paddington bounced back with a win on soft ground at the Curragh. His victory in the Madrid Handicap at Naas in March, despite the challenging conditions, was a testament to his grit and determination.
Paddington’s performance in the Listed Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh further solidified his standing as a horse to watch. When the opportunity arose at headquarters, Paddington seized it with both hooves, delivering an impressive performance under the expert guidance of jockey Ryan Moore.
The notable equestrian talent Ryan Moore has corroborated what many already know: Paddington is an excellent horse in possession of faculties such as impressive speed and a remarkable turn of foot – which undoubtedly contribute towards his inherent adaptability on field. All eyes are currently on Paddington with regards to his upcoming contribution in the anticipated St James’ Palace Stakes: undoubted testimony to his prowess in racing circles.
Although some might view his trajectory so far as being somewhat unusual or offbeat even – there remains much avid admiration for every minute moment constituting its unique course over time. Therefore it’s safe to say that Paddington’s extraordinary progress up until now has undeniably been nothing short of phenomenal.
Despite facing tough competition at Ascot, Paddington is no shrinking violet and has the potential to rise to the occasion.
Ascot chances rating – 8/10
Prince Of Wales’s Stakes – Luxembourg 2/1
This race is the talk of the town, with 2021 Derby winner Adayar and recent Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Luxembourg, trained by O’Brien, in the fray.
Luxembourg, who missed last year’s Derby due to injury, made a comeback with a win in the Irish Champion Stakes.
Adayar, having secured a decisive victory at the Derby in 2021, has a proven track record and is no stranger to high-stakes competition. His performance at the Derby demonstrated his formidable stamina and speed, leaving spectators and competitors alike in awe of his undeniable talent. With his reputation for consistency and strength, Adayar has undoubtedly earned his place in this race.
The question on everyone’s lips is: Can he pull it off at Ascot against one of Britain’s finest?
Ascot chances rating – 5/10
Gold Cup – Emily Dickinson 7/1; Broome 10/1
The unpredictability of this year’s Gold Cup mirrors the capriciousness of the English weather. Among O’Brien’s entries, Emily Dickinson and Broome are intriguing contenders.
Emily Dickinson, a 4-year-old filly, has shown her ability to handle longer distances, most notably with a comfortable 5-length victory at Navan. Despite a less impressive performance at Leopardstown, her steady improvement suggests she could be a surprise in the Gold Cup.
Broome, a 7-year-old with a more extensive track record, has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. His recent win at Meydan and experience in long-distance races could make him a dark horse in the race. Both horses will need to step up their game for the long haul, but they might just surprise us.
Ascot chances rating – 3/10
Commonwealth Cup – Little Big Bear 15/8
Little Big Bear has an impressive track record. This 3-year-old colt, has shown remarkable performance on the turf, with 5 wins out of 7 runs. His most recent victory was at Haydock on May 27, 2023, where he won the Sandy Lane Stakes, beating Shouldvebeenaring by 1¼ lengths. However, his performance at the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6, 2023, was less than stellar, where he finished last in a field of 14.
In the previous year, Little Big Bear dominated the Phoenix Stakes at Curragh on August 6, 2022, winning by a remarkable 7 lengths against Persian Force. Earlier in the season, he also won the Coventry Stakes at Ascot on June 15, 2022, narrowly beating Rocket Rodney by a neck. With such a strong record, Little Big Bear is indeed a formidable contender for the upcoming Commonwealth Cup. With a dearth of top-class sprinters in the three-year-old division, the stage is set for Little Big Bear to shine once again at the Royal meeting.
Ascot chances rating – 9/10
Coronation Stakes – Meditate 8/1
Meditate, a 3-year-old filly, has been a consistent performer on the turf, boasting an impressive record of 5 wins out of 9 runs. Her most recent race was at Curragh on May 28, 2023, where she finished 2nd, just 1½ lengths behind Tahiyra. This marked the third consecutive race where she has had to play second fiddle to Tahiyra, sparking questions about her ability to overcome this rival.
However, Meditate has demonstrated her winning capabilities on more than one occasion. A notable victory was at Keeneland on November 4, 2022, where she triumphed by a comfortable margin of 2½ lengths against Pleasant Passage. This victory showcased her potential and resilience, proving she can hold her own in competitive races.
As we look forward to the Coronation Stakes, where Meditate has odds of 8/1, the question on everyone’s mind is whether she can turn the tables on Tahiyra at Ascot. It’s undoubtedly a tall order, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching Meditate’s career thus far, it’s that she has the potential to rise to the challenge.
With Aidan O’Brien at the helm, known for his strategic understanding and ability to bring out the best in his horses, Meditate might just surprise us all.
Ascot chances rating – 4/10
Coventry Stakes – River Tiber 3/1
With odds of 3/1 for the upcoming Coventry Stakes, all eyes are on River Tiber. With an epic debut win at Navan boasting a striking 10-length lead and another victory at Naas, where he outperformed Tourist by 2½ lengths – it’s no wonder why this achiever has caught our attention! At Ascot where competition will be greater than ever before, River Tiber has already proven himself as an audacious runner with incomparable grit and determination.
Even if trailing behind initially in this race, there’s still hope that he’ll emerge as the dark horse of the event if he stays alert within striking distance towards that final furlong mark!
Ascot chances rating – 8/10
Remember, you can catch all the action from the Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing from Tuesday, June 20, to Saturday, June 24.
