Zain and Charleston both heading for Ribblesdale Stakes by Elliot Slater

Share on Facebook

Compare betting odds on Royal Ascot here

Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Zain Al Boldan and Pretty Polly Stakes runner-up Charleston Lady both look set to take their respective chances in this week's Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes (3.05pm Thursday), the premier mile-and-a-half fillies' contest at the five-day Royal Ascot racing extravaganza, writes Elliot Slater.

Zain Al Boldan disappointed in last week's Investec Oaks at Epsom, Mick Channon's filly only finishing ninth behind surprise winner Dancing Rain having always been towards the rear of the steadily run Group 1 contest, never managing to get in a blow at the leaders in what proved to be a tactical contest.

Channon reports Jaber Abdullah's three-year-old to have come out of the race in fine shape and suggests that she will go to Royal Ascot in preference to an alternative engagement in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh later in the month. Those keeping track of the Ascot betting need to remember this.

It is 11 years since Mick Channon last won the coveted Ascot race when his Miletrian landed the 2000 renewal under South African star Michael 'Muis' Roberts.

Ralph Beckett's Charleston Lady is another who seems almost certain to head to the Ribblesdale Stakes, the daughter of Hurricane Run having shown progressive form on her only start this term following two outings on Kempton's all-weather track last season which yielded a fourth place on her debut followed by a win in a mile maiden event late last October.

Clearly held in some regard by connections, the half-sister to smart Japanese mare Live Concert was stepped up to Listed class on her seasonal reappearance at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day and ran a fine race in chasing home Lucy Wadham's very useful Dorcas Lane.

The form received a significant boost on Friday when Izzi Top, the third horse home in the HQ contest, went on to fill the same position in the Investec Oaks behind Dancing Rain.

Tweet

Share on Facebook