3 minute read

Roger Charlton has not ruled out a crack at the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot for Dundonnell, setting up a potential rematch with his Craven Stakes conqueror Toronado.

After dropping back to 7f to win at Listed level last time, the Jersey Stakes over the same trip had looked a logical Royal Ascot target for the Craven third but, with the possibility that the St James's Palace will have far fewer runners, Charlton appears to be swaying towards the mile contest.

"We will confirm Dundonnell for the St James's Palace," said Charlton. "There could be only five or six runners and he would have a penalty in the Jersey. He ran at Newmarket as if he wants a mile."

Toronado's jockey Richard Hughes has reiterated his opinion that the 2,000 Guineas fourth can bounce back to his brilliant best next Tuesday.

"We know he wasn't at his best in the Guineas but I know how good he is," Hughes told At The Races. "He's the most beautiful mover you will ever ride. Going round a bend will be easy."

Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician heads the St James's Palace market at 5-6 with Paddy Power, with Toronado a 9-4 chance and Dundonnell 8-1.

Charlton also had an upbeat bulletin on Mince following her odds-on defeat at Windsor last week and said the King's Stand Stakes is still a realistic proposition, for which she's a general 14-1 shot.

He said: "I was in tears here [Windsor] this time last week after Mince was beaten, but she blew much longer than the other runners and was still not fit. She's in terrific form and we are thinking about the King's Stand."

Charlton confirmed Group 1 winner Al Kazeem on target for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, for which most bookmakers have him shading favouritism from Camelot at 9-4.