led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced alone and wide 2f, joined field in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in touch, effort 2f out, no impression on winner from over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd, near finish
held up in rear, headway entering final 2f, not clear run soon after, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on, gaining near finish
steadied start, in rear, pulled up final furlong, dismounted
tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
in touch, ridden 2f out, chased winner briefly 1f out, kept on same pace and lost 3rd near finish
tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden 3 lengths clear entering final furlong, idled near finish
A delectable start to events at Royal Ascot will see RIP VAN WINKLE bid to enhance Aidan O'Brien's record in this prestigious contest; the French 'super mare' Goldikova along with the revitalised Paco Boy are formidable opponents that help to make this a most intriguing renewal of this Group 1 contest. Paco Boy, who won this race in an authoritative manner last year, has oozed class in two starts this season - easily accounting for the likes of Ouqba, Pipedreamer and Zacinto on the latest occasion when posting a brilliant effort to win the Lockinge at Newbury in May. Richard Hannon's entire has an electric turn of foot and, as he seems to be going from strength to strength, he is sure make a bold attempt at reversing last season's Sussex Stakes form with the selection. Goldikova has won eight times at the highest level during a stellar two-year period - her scintillating performance in retaining the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita last November stands proudly as the pinnacle of head of her achievements so far. Olvier Peslier knows the filly inside out and it will be highly surprising if the Frenchman's mount isn't involved at the business end. Dalghar also represents France and, as his trainer isn't one to pitch beyond his means, the Aga Khan-owned colt is respected as a lively outsider. Of the others: Calming Influence and Cat Junior are hard to split on form and a match bet between the pair would be an interesting angle on the race - the former edges preference in that scenario. Dream Eater has struggled when tried in this grade in the past and also has a stiff test ahead of him. All of which brings us back to Rip Van Winkle, who returns to a happy hunting ground (he won the QEII Stakes at Ascot last September). And, as the Ballydoyle team have won two of the last four renewals; it's very safe to assume this fellow will be tuned to perfection on the day. It's also noteworthy that no filly or mare has won this race for over 50 years, so even though Goldikova will be difficult to master, its Rip Van Winkle who ticks all the right boxes for fans of statistics today.
Calming Influence (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) won at Meydan(UAE) 1m Group 2 sks (1) in Mar beating Green Coast (9-0) by 1l, 14 ran.
Cat Junior (USA) 11-1 (9-0) Led, narrowly headed 2f out, stayed challenging, not pace of leading duo inside final furlong and lost 3rd, near finish, 4th of 9, 5l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Sandown 1m Grp 2 (1) gd in Apr.
Dalghar (FR) (9-3) won at Longchamp(FR) 7f Grp 3 gd beating Colonial (8-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Dream Eater (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Took keen hold, close up, pushed along when not clear run briefly 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, took 3rd final 50 yards, not quite pace to reach leading duo, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Main Aim (9-0) at Haydock 7f Grp 3 (1) gs in May.
Ouqba 16-1 (9-0) Held up, headway on outside over 2f out, got 1st run on winner and ridden to lead 1f out, ran on until headed and outpaced by speedy winner inside final furlong, clear 2nd best, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in May.
Paco Boy (IRE) 8-11fav (9-0) Held up in touch, headway travelling strongly on bit 2f out, rider delayed challenge until approaching final furlong, shaken up and quickened to lead inside final furlong, soon clear, most impressive, won at Newbury 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in May beating Ouqba (9-0) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Pipedreamer 14-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, driven and every chance 1f out, stayed on but not pace of leaders inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 5l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in May.
Rip Van Winkle (IRE) 10-3 (8-10) Stopped badly turn, 10th of 12, 17l behind Zenyatta (8-11) at Santa Anita(USA) 1m 2f fll stks Grp 1 (1) in Nov.
Zacinto 7-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, eased when no chance final furlong, last of 9, 39l behind Paco Boy (9-0) at Newbury 1m Grp 1 (1) gf in May.
Goldikova (IRE) 4-6fav (8-12) won at Longchamp(FR) 1m 1f Grp 1 gd in May beating Byword (9-2) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
