Royal Ascot’s Final Examination
The Queen Alexandra rarely rewards flashy profiles. It usually goes to a horse who settles, conserves energy and genuinely stays.
This year’s renewal looks another contest where stamina reserves may prove decisive. Illinois brings the best established form but arrives with questions after a disappointing Coronation Cup. French Master possesses plenty of talent but must answer the distance question.
The strongest cases may belong to the Willie Mullins pair of Le Destrier and Columbus, with Columbus particularly interesting after a purposeful hurdle preparation. A Piece Of Heaven arrives with perhaps the most straightforward profile of all after his Chester Cup success and could easily prove equal to this rise in class.
Conclusion:
Most likely winner: Columbus
Best value: A Piece Of Heaven
Danger: Le Destrier
Class threat: Illinois
Notebook horse: Berkshire Sundance (staying races 2m+)
Final ranking: Columbus > A Piece Of Heaven > Le Destrier > Illinois > French Master.