Insights from Those Close to Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Participants

Aidan O’Brien’s Paddington Aims for Glorious Comeback at Ascot

A stunning run of form has catapulted Aidan O’Brien’s three-year-old colt, Paddington, into the spotlight as he prepares to compete in the highly anticipated Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

Hailing from a humble Naas handicap victory earlier this season, Paddington has gone on to achieve an extraordinary four-timer triumph in Group One races including the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Coral-Eclipse and Sussex Stakes.

Although he suffered his only defeat of the season at York’s Juddmonte International where he finished third behind Mostahdaf and Nashwa, it was back in August and since then he has been absent from racing action. This means that Paddington will enter Ascot fresh and hungry for a win.

O’Brien expressed his satisfaction with Paddington’s performance at York: “Frankie (Dettori) set quite a demanding pace upfront but Ryan (Moore) allowed our horse to relax. Although we didn’t manage to catch them this time around, it was still an impressive run.”

Nashwa: John and Thady Gosden’s Hopeful Contender

In a surprising move by trainers John and Thady Gosden, Nashwa opted out of competing in the Champion Stakes to drop back down to one mile for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes after her commendable performance at the Knavesmire.

The Frankel filly has proven herself over both distances, winning the Falmouth Stakes in July. She arrives at Ascot following two courageous runs where she was narrowly defeated in both the Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes.

Nashwa will be ridden by Hollie Doyle, owner Imad Al Sagar’s retained jockey who expressed confidence in their chances: “Nashwa has been equally impressive over a mile or a mile and a quarter, so the distance won’t be an issue. She performs well on any ground. Her recent performances against colts have been exceptional.”

Tahiyra: Dermot Weld’s Ground-Dependent Contender

Trainer Dermot Weld hopes to field brilliant filly Tahiyra for the Aga Khan if ground conditions are suitable. Tahiyra has already secured victories in prestigious races such as the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes, and Matron Stakes this season.

French Challengers Add International Flavor

Christopher Head’s Big Rock and Jerome Reynier’s Facteur Cheval represent France in this highly competitive event.

Facteur Cheval finished only half a head behind Paddington earlier this year when carrying additional weight on soft ground during their encounter at Goodwood. Trainer Jerome Reynier is thrilled about his horse’s consistency and believes it can make an impact against top-quality competition.

“Our runner is versatile with regards to ground conditions as it handles soft terrain perfectly,” said Reynier excitedly. “Although he hasn’t raced on a straight course before, we remain optimistic about his performance.”