Azamour good enough to for Wales' triumph
Wednesday, 15 June 2005 12:34Azamour will have lots of support in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot at York, with former Epsom/Curragh Oaks and Breeders' Cup heroine Ouija Board also well fancied.
Assuming there is no deluge on the Knavesmire, John Oxx's colt will certainly relish the trip as he bids to follow up on his victory in the St James's Palace Stakes last year. Oxx has been happy with the preparations since Azamour emerged fourth from the tactical battle that was the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh last month.
Ahead of him that day was Aidan O'Brien's Ace, who seemed to avoid the helter-skelter. Expect things to pan out differently in Yorkshire, though Kieren Fallon should be good enough to get the place money at odds of around 10/1.
Ouija Board will have Jamie Spencer on board. The filly has not run since her American success last October. However, she has undoubted ability and it will be of great interest to see how she emerges.
The Australian Elvstroem will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Choisir, who won two races a the Festival in 2003. Noorse Dancer, who was just touched off by Azamour in last season's Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, is still seeking his first Group 1 success. He may have to wait longer!
The French-trained Touch Of Land and the Vodafone Diomed Stakes winner Hazyview completes the field of eight runners.
Prediction
1. Azamour 2. Ouija Board 3. Ace
