2021 Tokyo Yushun (G1) Japan Derby and recent winner of the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T) Shahryar was ready to show off his best in the June 15 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) competition, looking to become the first Japanese-trained winner at the Royal Ascot meeting.
Coach Hideaki Fujiwara’s star runner-up arrived in the UK on May 31, along with The Grenadier Guardswho plans to run in the June 18 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (G1) for coach Mitsu Nakauchida and is owned by the same racing partner as Shahryar, Sunday Racing Co.
4 year old kid Deep impact colt kicked off June 11 on the Golden Mile Gallop, going six stages with Cristian Demuro, who guided Shahryar to the winners’ circle in Meydan on March 26 and returned on June 15.
“I’m sure he’s in top form, just like he was in March in Dubai. Shahryar is a balanced horse and I believe he handles the track well in Ascot,” the Italian said as asked about the undulating track at Ascot.
Bay Bridge who won the Coral Brigadier Gerald Stakes (G3) at Sandown May 26, is the 5-4 favorite for Prince of Wales, with Shahryar at 3-1, the second favorite for Race features on the second day of the Platinum Jubilee.
