Update winners Alobayyah (6/1) & Limestone (100/30)

Ombudsman gained his fourth Group 1 success and won the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot for a second consecutive year. The son of Night of Thunder sat off a frentic early gallop before taking charge approaching the final furlong. William Buick's mount readily swept past top-class performers Daryz and Minnie Hauk before pulling away to win by four lengths. Blessed with a lethal turn of foot, he is at his best over ten furlongs on quick ground and when in this sort of form, near impossible to beat. It is hoped he skips the Coral Eclipse at Sandown next month and is saved for the Juddmonte International at York, which he won in 2025. The runner-up Minnie Hawk will appreciate returning to a mile and a half and could line up in the King George, while the third Daryz may always prove best on home soil - Francis Graffard's runner came off the bridle turning for home before staying on at one pace. Perhaps last year's Arc winner needs a slower surface. 

Blue Bolt was highlighted for the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes on page 142 of Ahead On The Flat and Andrew Balding's filly ran out an impressive winner. Colin Keane was able to get his mount over from a wide draw before travelling strongly into the contest. Going easily two out, the Blue Point never really looked in any danger being pushed out to win by a length and three quarters. The Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July meeting will be next and she possesses the ability to gain her first win at the highest level. 

While the Royal Hunt Cup was bitterly disappointing, it was a much better day for followers of the Royal Ascot Update. Limestone (100/30) produced a gutsy display to win the Group 2 Queen's Vase by a nose. Joseph O'Brien's charge had impressed when winning in Listed company at Navan (1m 5f) and his stamina was key here. Just edging out the fast finishing Del Maro, the well bred New Bay colt will be even better on a slower surface - his half-brother Lone Eagle preferred some ease underfoot.

The highlight of the day though was the victory of Alobayyah (advised @ 6/1) in the Kensington Palace Stakes. Considered a potential Classic contender at the start of last year, things didn't go to plan during her three year old career. However, she caught the eye in no uncertain terms on her seasonal return over C&D last month and confirmed it here with a neck victory under a fine ride by Tom Marquand. Advised at 20/1 for the John Smith's Cup in the Update, the Ghaiyyath filly will be even better over ten furlongs.