Cinderella’s Dream runner-up in G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes

Cinderella’s Dream made late gains to take second in the G2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes as fillies by Darley stallions dominated in the Royal Ascot contest on Wednesday, 18 June.

Carrying a 3lb penalty following her win in last month’s G2 Dahlia Stakes, Shamardal filly Cinderella’s Dream was steadied in last of the seven runners by William Buick, one place behind Crimson Advocate.

Cinderella’s Dream took closer order around runners at the halfway point and was angled out to deliver her challenge approaching the final quarter-mile.

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old stayed on strongly to press Running Lion and Fallen Angel just inside the final furlong but could not go with Crimson Advocate, with the daughter of Nyquist flashing home to score by a length and three-quarters.

Cinderella’s Dream hit the line well in second, with Too Darn Hot filly Fallen Angel rallying to take third, a further head in arrears.

Charlie Appleby said: “Cinderella’s Dream ran a good, solid race. William felt he had everything covered turning in, but didn’t expect the winner to come over the top the way she did. William would prefer to see her back on a straight track, so we will head to the Falmouth Stakes next.”