Performance Analysis: Key Contenders for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Ascot 3:25)

1.0 Introduction: The Stakes and the Contenders

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, a Group 1 contest run over Ascot’s iconic straight mile, stands as a definitive championship for Europe’s finest milers. With a total prize value of £1,156,250, it is a hugely prestigious and valuable prize on British Champions Day, serving as a climactic test for horses at the peak of their powers. This analysis dissects each contender’s profile, synthesizing their racing history and key performance data to build a complete picture of their chances.

We will now proceed with a detailed, horse-by-horse examination of the leading contenders.

2.0 In-Depth Analysis of Rosallion

Rosallion presents the profile of a high-class and exceptionally consistent miler who has proven his mettle at the highest level. With multiple placings in Group 1 events, his record is one of proven ability and tenacity. The strategic focus of this analysis is to evaluate how his established class weighs against a key vulnerability: a tendency to race keenly, which often leaves him exposed in the final stages of fiercely contested races.

2.1 Performance Profile

• Age: 4-y-o bay colt

• Trainer: Richard Hannon

• Jockey: Sean Levey

• Lifetime Record: 5 wins and 5 places from 12 runs

• Total Prize Money Won: £873,940

2.2 Form and Suitability Analysis

Rosallion has a clear aptitude for good ground, the most likely surface at Ascot in October. His record underscores this preference, with four of his five career wins coming on ground described as Good or Good to Firm. He is a proven specialist at the 1-mile distance, and his form at Ascot is particularly formidable, boasting two wins and a place from just three starts at the course.

Trainer Richard Hannon has consistently maintained that Rosallion is an “extremely good horse,” and his faith has been repaid with a series of high-class efforts. However, his free-going nature appears to be his Achilles’ heel. By expending too much energy early, he risks emptying the tank too soon, a pattern which likely contributes to his recent narrow defeats. He was “done on the line” in a nose defeat to Docklands here on 17 June and again suffered a short-head loss at Longchamp on 7 September. These results showcase both immense fighting qualities and a frustrating habit of finding one just too good at the death.

2.3 Recent Performance Summary

Date	Course	Race	Ground	Finish Position	Analyst Comment
7 Sep	Longchamp	Group 1	Good to Soft	2 / 12	Beaten a short-head; fought gamely.
23 Aug	York	Group 1	Good to Firm	4 / 10	One-paced in final furlong.
30 Jul	Goodwood	Group 1	Good	2 / 7	Ran on well; strong effort.
17 Jun	Ascot	Group 1	Good to Firm	2 / 10	Nose defeat; challenged gamely.

2.4 Overall Assessment

While Rosallion’s class is unimpeachable, his profile is that of a horse who consistently finds one too good at the very highest level. His tendency to over-race makes him vulnerable in a tight finish against less exuberant rivals. He remains a prime candidate for the placings but a risky proposition for the win.

His case is one of proven, if slightly frustrating, class, which we will now contrast with the explosive potential of Field Of Gold.

3.0 In-Depth Analysis of Field Of Gold

Field Of Gold enters this contest as an outstanding and potentially dominant miler, a reputation forged through visually stunning victories at Ascot and the Curragh. The core of this analysis is to determine whether his last performance—a disappointing fourth when a hot favourite at Goodwood—was an anomaly or a sign of weakness. The evidence points overwhelmingly to the former.

3.1 Performance Profile

• Age: 3-y-o grey colt

• Trainer: John & Thady Gosden

• Jockey: Colin Keane

• Lifetime Record: 5 wins and 1 place from 9 runs

• Total Prize Money Won: £700,041

3.2 Form and Suitability Analysis

Field Of Gold’s most compelling performance came over this exact course and distance on 17 June at Royal Ascot. In that Group 1 contest, he travelled with consummate ease before exploding clear of high-class rivals, earning a Racing Post Rating of 139—a figure that marks him as potentially the best miler of his generation and a full 7lbs clear of his nearest rival on peak performance.

That display stands in stark contrast to his subsequent run at Goodwood, where he finished a well-beaten fourth. The post-race comments from trainer John Gosden provide crucial context: he noted the horse “didn’t seem well balanced on the track” and, significantly, was reported to be lame the following morning. This evidence provides a compelling excuse for his Goodwood performance, and serious analysis must treat it as an anomaly. Gosden describes him as an “outstanding miler,” and his record backs this up, with all five career victories coming on Good or Good to Firm ground.

3.3 Recent Performance Summary

Date	Course	Race	Ground	Finish Position	Analyst Comment
30 Jul	Goodwood	Group 1	Good	4 / 7	Disappointing; never fired.
17 Jun	Ascot	Group 1	Good to Firm	1 / 7	Dominant; quickened clear.
24 May	Curragh	Group 1	Good	1 / 9	Impressive; stormed clear.
3 May	Newmarket	Group 1	Good	2 / 11	Unlucky 2nd; finished fast.

3.4 Overall Assessment

If the Goodwood run is rightly excused, Field Of Gold’s claims are immense. His commanding victory over this course and distance marks him as the horse with the highest ceiling in this field. If he reproduces that scintillating performance, his blend of cruising speed and explosive acceleration will make him incredibly difficult to beat.

Next, we turn our attention to the top-class filly, Fallen Angel, who brings a different but equally compelling profile.

4.0 In-Depth Analysis of Fallen Angel

Fallen Angel arrives as a multiple Group 1 winning filly in the form of her life, presenting a significant challenge to her male rivals. The strategic crux of her analysis lies in evaluating her proven class against the difficulty of taking on colts, the transformative impact of cheekpieces on her performance, and her pronounced sensitivity to ground conditions.

4.1 Performance Profile

• Age: 4-y-o grey filly

• Trainer: K R Burke

• Jockey: James Doyle

• Lifetime Record: 7 wins and 2 places from 13 runs

• Total Prize Money Won: £988,764

4.2 Form and Suitability Analysis

Fallen Angel’s form has reached a new peak since the application of cheekpieces. While she was a creditable third on her first attempt in the headgear at Royal Ascot, the equipment has subsequently transformed her, unlocking three consecutive Group 1 victories. Her most recent win at Newmarket on 4 October was a powerful front-running display, winning “comfortably” as she galloped her rivals into submission.

Ground condition is a critical factor. Trainer Karl Burke has explicitly stated that excessively firm ground is a problem, noting that “the ground was so quick at [Royal] Ascot” and that “she just doesn’t let herself down” when there is “jar in the ground.” Her ideal surface is good ground, or slightly easier, allowing her to fully deploy her powerful stride. Her forward-going style, described by James Doyle as a “strong galloper at a mile,” makes her a difficult horse to pass.

4.3 Recent Performance Summary

Date	Course	Race	Ground	Finish Position	Analyst Comment
4 Oct	Newmarket	Group 1	Good	1 / 9	Dominant front-running win.
13 Sep	Leopardstown	Group 1	Good to Yielding	1 / 11	Tough win; battled gamely.
3 Aug	Deauville	Group 1	Good	1 / 13	Won by a head; gutsy.
18 Jun	Ascot	Group 2	Good to Firm	3 / 7	Kept on well; cheekpieces first time.

4.4 Overall Assessment

Fallen Angel is a top-class filly at the absolute peak of her powers, arriving on a hat-trick of Group 1 wins. Her aggressive, relentless galloping style makes her a potent threat. Her chances are heavily dependent on the ground conditions; if the surface is not excessively firm, her class and fighting spirit make her a major player.

We now shift focus to a horse whose profile is defined by a deep affinity for this particular racetrack, Docklands.

5.0 In-Depth Analysis of Docklands

In a field of high-class milers, Docklands is the specialist. His case is not built on versatile, globe-trotting form, but on a profound and proven mastery of this specific course and distance. The critical question is whether his exceptional course affinity can bridge the gap to rivals who may possess superior form elsewhere.

5.1 Performance Profile

• Age: 5-y-o bay horse

• Trainer: Harry Eustace

• Jockey: Tom Marquand

• Lifetime Record: 4 wins and 8 places from 19 runs

• Ascot Record: 3 wins and 4 places from 7 runs

5.2 Form and Suitability Analysis

Docklands’ performance record is inextricably linked to Ascot. His career-best effort came over this course and distance when winning the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes on 17 June, narrowly defeating Rosallion. This victory confirmed his status as an elite performer at this track. Trainer Harry Eustace has stated that a “straight mile there is his jam,” reinforcing that this specific test brings out his absolute best.

His running style is distinctive. Often “a step slow” from the start, he requires a patient ride before unleashing a devastating turn of foot. As demonstrated in his Queen Anne victory, he possesses “the best acceleration in the dash for the line,” a potent weapon in races that develop into a late sprint. His effectiveness on Good to Firm ground at Ascot is well-established.

5.3 Recent Performance Summary

Date	Course	Race	Ground	Finish Position	Analyst Comment
17 Aug	Deauville	Group 1	Good to Soft	4 / 10	Kept on; no real impression.
30 Jul	Goodwood	Group 1	Good	5 / 7	Never a factor; one-paced.
17 Jun	Ascot	Group 1	Good to Firm	1 / 10	Nose victory; potent late kick.
7 Jun	Epsom	Group 3	Good	3 / 8	Unlucky 3rd; trapped.

5.4 Overall Assessment

While his form away from Ascot is solid but less imposing, Docklands transforms into a different calibre of horse at this venue. His exceptional track record cannot be ignored, and his potent late kick makes him a dangerous closer who must be respected. If the race unfolds as a tactical affair, he has the specialist skills to play a decisive role.

While Docklands’ case is built on an unshakable affinity for Ascot’s straight mile, our final contender, Dancing Gemini, presents a more volatile profile—a horse whose brilliant best is frustratingly conditional.

6.0 In-Depth Analysis of Dancing Gemini

Dancing Gemini is a talented but enigmatic contender whose peak performance appears highly dependent on being fresh for the day. He has flashed Group 1 ability on several occasions, but consistency has been an issue. The focus here is to decipher conflicting reports on his ideal ground and evaluate whether he can replicate his very best form in this elite company.

6.1 Performance Profile

• Age: 4-y-o bay colt

• Trainer: Roger Teal

• Jockey: Kieran Shoemark

• Lifetime Record: 4 wins and 4 places from 16 runs

• Best RPR: 129

6.2 Form and Suitability Analysis

There is conflicting information regarding his preferred ground. Trainer Roger Teal has asserted, “he’s not a soft ground horse,” yet his record shows three of his four wins have come on Good to Soft or Soft. He has, however, produced his career-best RPR of 129 when a close second on Good to Firm ground at Newbury, suggesting a degree of versatility.

His key performances include a ready Group 2 victory at Sandown and the aforementioned narrow defeat at Newbury, proving he has the engine for this level. Roger Teal believes he is a “Group 1 winner waiting to happen.” However, a subsequent run at Ascot on 17 June was disappointing, with his jockey reporting the horse “ran flat.” This indicates he may be a horse who needs to be fresh to produce his devastating best.

6.3 Recent Performance Summary

Date	Course	Race	Ground	Finish Position	Analyst Comment
7 Sep	Longchamp	Group 1	Good to Soft	9 / 12	Never threatened.
17 Aug	Deauville	Group 1	Good to Soft	3 / 10	Good effort; faded late.
17 Jun	Ascot	Group 1	Good to Firm	8 / 10	Weakened; reported ‘ran flat’.
17 May	Newbury	Group 1	Good to Firm	2 / 8	Beaten a neck; brave effort.

6.4 Overall Assessment

Dancing Gemini possesses the raw ability to compete at this level, as his RPR of 129 attests. However, his success hinges on arriving in peak condition, and his recent form is inconsistent. He is a talented dark horse with an outside chance if the race pace and conditions unfold perfectly for him on a day he is feeling his best.

This leads us to a final comparative overview of the main contenders.

7.0 Comparative Summary and Conclusion

This section provides a comparative overview of the analyzed contenders to distill the key factors that are likely to influence the outcome of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Horse	Best RPR	Course Form (Ascot)	Preferred Ground	Key Strength
Rosallion	132	2 wins, 1 place from 3 runs	Good to Firm / Good	High-level G1 Consistency
Field Of Gold	139	1 win from 1 run	Good to Firm / Good	Potentially Generational Talent
Fallen Angel	132	0 wins, 1 place from 1 run	Not excessively firm	Transformed by cheekpieces (3 G1 wins)
Docklands	128	3 wins, 4 places from 7 runs	Good to Firm / Good	Ascot Specialist / Late Speed
Dancing Gemini	129	0 wins, 0 places from 3 runs	Versatile	High-class on his day

The race, therefore, boils down to a classic conflict of profiles: can Field Of Gold’s raw, potentially generational talent overcome the proven, track-specific expertise of specialists like Docklands and Rosallion, especially with the relentlessly in-form Fallen Angel poised to exploit any weakness? The explosive potential of Field Of Gold, if he returns to his Royal Ascot best, makes him the one to beat. This is contrasted by the high-class consistency of Rosallion and the potent late kick of the course specialist Docklands. The filly Fallen Angel adds a dangerous dimension, bringing a string of tough Group 1 victories into the contest. Ultimately, the outcome will likely be decided by which of these elite milers gets their ideal conditions and race setup on the day.