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It’s the turn of the three-year-olds to take centre stage at Royal Ascot on Friday and we give you five things to be excited about…
It's the turn of the three-year-olds to take centre stage at Royal Ascot on Friday and we give you five things to be excited about.
1. Little Big Bear
Little Big Bear and Auguste Rodin have firmly put any memory of 2000 Guineas disappointment to bed and it's Little Big Bear's turn to bounce back in Group 1 company for trainer Aidan O'Brien. After the Guineas, the three-year-old was dropped back to six furlongs for the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes and he produced an easy victory. Although he'll face a competitive field in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, you wouldn't want to bet against the exciting No Nay Never colt.
2. The Yeoman Prickers
If you're planning to take in some history whilst attending Royal Ascot, the sight of the Yeoman Prickers is a must. Traditionally, the Yeoman Prickers or 'Greencoats' have formed a ceremonial guard for the Monarch at Royal Ascot and their uniforms were rumoured to have been made from green curtains leftover at Windsor Castle. Established in 1744, they were initially formed to stage hunts and their role has adapted throughout the decades to the present day, where they assist racegoers.
3. Clash of the titans
Who will forget the epic battle between Tahiyra and Mawj in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket? Well, we get to relive it again in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes where the two fillies will go head-to-head on (assumed) quicker ground. Mawj hasn't been seen since her Newmarket success with connections waiting for this race, whilst Tahiyra gained Classic revenge by taking the Irish Guineas in comfortable style. They aren't the only fillies with a chance in the race – O'Brien's Meditate has the potential to keep improving and the lightly-raced Queen For You looks an exciting prospect for the Gosdens.
4. Singing around the bandstand
Established in 1970 by Lady Jinny Beaumont, wife of the Clerk of the Course, it has become a tradition for racegoers to gather round at the end of each day's racing and sing. The popularity of the event grew so much that a bandstand was erected in 2007 on the Plaza Lawns and holders of the Grandstand and Royal Enclosure tickets are encouraged to join at 6pm every day.
5. The King Edward VII Stakes
The colts equivalent of the Ribblesdale Stakes held earlier in the week, the King Edward VII Stakes was originally known as the Ascot Derby and tends to attract colts who may have missed the Classics or have been slower to come to hand. In recent years, key names such as Old Persian, Japan, Alenquer and Pyledriver have won the Group 2 event.
