Top Trainer William Haggas Discusses His Frontrunners for the Upcoming Royal Ascot Event
A Royal Ascot Showdown: My Prospero Set to Lead William Haggas’ Charge
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot is set for a thrilling edition this year as the highly anticipated clash between top horses looms. Leading trainer, William Haggas, will spearhead his charge with four-year-old My Prospero.
Despite the defection of Desert Crown from the race, some strong contenders like Luxembourg, Adayar and Bay Bridge still lie in wait for Haggas’ talented colt. Last year’s narrow defeat by just a neck in the St James’s Palace Stakes was followed by a Group Two victory over 10 furlongs in France before being once again narrowly denied in the Champion Stakes behind Bay Bridge.
Haggas expects that stepping up to a mile and quarter would be much more suitable for My Prospero after running fourth when back over a mile at Lockinge recently. “He’s very well and I think it will be an exciting showdown,” said Haggas to Sky Sports Racing.
According to him, there are many similar horses competing who might not have an electric turn of foot but possess good staying power; they would kick on from three out. “I think he’s come forward since his last run and I believe this is going to be his year,” added Haggas confidently about his leading contender.
Sacred – The Smart Filly
Another horse returning to Ascot following her fifth place finish in last year’s Platinum Jubilee Stakes is Sacred – one of William Haggas’ most promising fillies. She has already shown remarkable performances on tracks such as Newbury where she was excellent last time out before winning remarkably easily over seven furlongs at Lingfield earlier this season.
“She’s a very smart filly with a pretty good turn of foot,” said Haggas. “But the problem is she’s a specialist over seven, so we either go over a mile or six.” The only Group One race for her preferred distance of seven furlongs is Foret and that usually takes place on soft ground.
“We’re plumping for six again; she’s had one run this year which she didn’t have last year when she ran well. It’s an intense competition but I’m not sure there’s any particular standout winner. The Australian horse (Artorius) might be one to watch while the Hong Kong horse (Wellington) has already proven himself to be a top sprinter,” added Haggas about Sacred’s chances in the race.
Khanjar – Ready For Wokingham
Khanjar was among the leading contenders for Wokingham but suffered an unexpected defeat at Hamilton recently, which made William Haggas reassess his claims.”I thought he’d win but he’s going to run in the Wokingham,” said Haggas regarding Khanjar’s recent performances.
Haggas believes that small fields suit him as it allows him more space if they split up during racing. He also acknowledged that Khanjar needs further training before he can fully realize his potential on track.
Hamish – Unlikely To Get Soft Ground
The Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot may be without Hamish – another leading runner from William Haggas’ team – due to unfavorable weather conditions. “He wants soft ground so we need to debate whether to leave him in,” explained Haggas.
“We’ll see what the forecast says but I think it’s likely he won’t be running. There’s a Group Three tournament at York he might go for, but it all depends on the ground. His last run in Chester was pretty impressive – arguably his best after his second-place finish in Irish Leger,” added Haggas about Hamish’s performance.
Maljoom – Not Running
William Haggas also revealed that Maljoom will not be competing this season despite showing signs of promise earlier. However, he offered words of encouragement to the horse’s owners and fans: “I think we’ll find something else for him later.”
In conclusion, William Haggas is confident about his chances this year as he fields some strong contenders across different categories at Royal Ascot. It promises to be an exciting showdown between horses with excellent staying power and good turn of foot – so buckle up!