Ten to oppose Dylan Thomas
Thursday, 14 June 2007 16:28Dylan Thomas will face a maximum of 10 rivals in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
Aidan O'Brien's three-time Group One winner tasted an unexpected defeat on his last start in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, which was inflicted by Notnowcato.
Sir Michael Stoute's charge, who may reoppose at Ascot, also won the Juddmonte International last year and would no doubt prove to be a formidable opponent if taking his chance.
O'Brien has also left in last year's 2000 Guineas hero George Washington, but he seems far more likely to reappear in the Queen Anne Stakes after his unsuccessful first spell at stud.
There should be a very strong challenge from France, with both Prix d'Ispahan winner Manduro and 2006 Prix de l'Opera heroine Mandesha possible challengers.
Godolphin's Formal Decree stands his ground despite holding an engagement in France less than a week beforehand.
Last year's Derby winner Sir Percy will be out to redeem his reputation after a couple of disappointing efforts, while the Clive Brittain-trained pair of Hattan and Kandidate could also run.
Italian recruit Pressing was handed the only supplementary entry.
The Michael Jarvis-trained colt finished second in a Group One event at Capannelle on his last start.
Another potential opponent is Breeders' Cup Turf winner Red Rocks, whose trainer Brian Meehan has hit form just in time for the Royal meeting and saddled his first winner for 24 days at Newbury.
Meehan revealed his string had been suffering from a bug, but his Betfred Gordon Richards Stakes winner had been unaffected and is raring to go.
Meehan said: 'He is 100%. He did his final piece of work this morning and I was really pleased with him.'
