Ombudsman looking to press G1 claims in G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes

Ombudsman hopes to establish himself against some of Europe’s top older middle-distance stars in the G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes, highlight on day two of Royal Ascot, Wednesday, 18 June. 

The Night Of Thunder colt only made his debut a year ago but went through 2024 unbeaten for John & Thady Gosden, graduating from novice wins at Newmarket and Leicester to Listed success at Deauville. 

Ombudsman rounded off his three-year-old season with a half-length verdict in Longchamp’s G3 Prix du Prince d’Orange and ran well in defeat on his seasonal return at Sandown Park in late May, coming home a clear second to Almaqam in the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes. 

John Gosden said: “Ombudsman got tired in the ground in the Brigadier Gerard, and I think the winner is very smart. Almaqam was getting 3lb and got the run of the race, whereas Ombudsman must come from off the pace. Ryan Moore was very pleased with him afterwards.” 

Cinderella's Dream seeks back-to-back G2 wins in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, with the Shamardal filly having stormed to a convincing victory in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket’s Guineas festival. 

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the four-year-old has primarily campaigned in Dubai and North America, winning the G1 Belmont Oaks and G2 Saratoga Oaks in addition to an unlucky second in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. 

Charlie Appleby said: “Dropping back to a mile will be on the sharper side for Cinderella’s Dream, although she showed enough gears in the Dahlia Stakes to suggest that she will handle it comfortably. She’s in great nick and a repeat of her Newmarket run will make her the one to beat.” 

Devil's Advocate steps up to a mile and three-quarters for the G2 Queen’s Vase following two appearances in Derby trials for John & Thady Gosden. Sixth on his seasonal return in the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom Downs, the Too Darn Hot colt ran a better race to take fourth in York’s G2 Dante Stakes. 

John Gosden said: “I was pleased with Devil’s Advocate in the Dante. We didn’t expect to be in front, they all came to him and then he stayed on again. The Dante form took a bit of a knock in the Derby, but it was completely different ground at Epsom. The Queen’s Vase will suit him.” 

Arabian Light, who carries top weight in the Royal Hunt Cup, was second to Ombudsman on their respective debuts at Newmarket before a pair of impressive novice wins. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old has made three starts, all in handicaps, so far this year – including winning at Meydan and finishing third when giving weight all round in a Newmarket heritage handicap. 

Charlie Appleby said: “Arabian Light has run over nine furlongs so far this year, but the drop back to a mile and style of the race might suit. It’s a bit of a cavalry charge and he will need plenty of luck. He goes here in great order and should have a chance if things go his way.”