Update & Top 40 winner Ombudsman (7/1)

Ombudsman produced a stunning display to win the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot on Wednesday. The John & Thady Gosden trained runner had lost his unbeaten record when runner-up in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown last month. However, with that run under his belt, the Night of Thunder colt made a big step forward and established himself as one of the most exciting ten furlongs horses in training. Held up in a strongly run event, the tempo of the race played into William Buick's mount hands. Having initially made his move towards the inside, the Godolphin owned colt was forced to switch around horses and challenge on the outside. Once in the clear, he showed an electric turn of foot to reel in Anmaat and won going away by two lengths. He covered the final furlong in 11.82 seconds, according to Race Iq. The Group 1 Coral Eclipse at Sandown (5th July) is likely to be his next target before a possible tilt at the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, setting up a possible clash with stablemate and dual Group 1 winner Field of Gold.

Ombudsman's win (7/1) was an excellent result for followers of the Top 40 Prospects in AOTF and the Royal Ascot Update. Otherwise, it was a frustrating day for the latter, in particular in the Royal Hunt Cup. Fox Legacy ran well in sixth leaving the impression he needs to return to further, while Qirat was much too keen in first time headgear and was beaten by halfway. Unfortunately, The Liffey failed to build on his promising reappearance run at Naas or his reportedly impressive racecourse gallop at Fairyhouse recently. The fitting of cheekpieces and a tongue weren't encouraging beforehand. It is worth recalling Roger Varian's comments on 110 of Ahead On The Flat re the winner My Cloud: "Half-brother to Palace Pier, he is a very talented horse who I like a lot. If we can keep him sound, he is on a very good mark. A mile is his trip and he will be suited by top of the ground on turf." I wish I had heeded Roger's advice and kept it simple. 

Rogue Legend ran a creditable race in the Windsor Castle Stakes finishing third (dead-heated) and may be suited by easier ground in future. I was disappointed with Old Is Gold (eigth) who simply didn't look quick enough. It would be a surprise to see the Wathnan Racing owned colt tried over six furlongs next time. Having made a strong case for the winner Havana Hurricane in the Update, it felt like one that got away but that's racing.