connection of Highland princess will be hoping for significantly more luck as she quickly backs up in the Queen Elizabeth II Celebration Stock (G1) June 24.
6-year-old baby left behind by his father Bradsell before trailing him in Tuesday’s King’s Stand Stakes (G1), but the managers did not reverse the rankings.
Coach John Quinn said: “We let her down in Ascot and she took the lead on Wednesday and then did some light exercise on the track on Thursday morning.
“She was taken out again on Friday and we are happy with her. If not, we would have taken her home, but that makes sense and she doesn’t have to travel.
“It’s group 1 and she has a chance on the track she loves. We think about this all the time, but we want to see our results first Tuesday.”
Highfield Princess promoted through various rides in 10 starts last year and won three places in group 1 from August 7 to September 11.
She’s already a royal winner of more than seven feathers after winning a Buckingham Palace Share in 2021 and is sixth behind navy crown in this race last year.
‘This year we know Artorius is good enough’
Artorius was beaten by just three-quarters of the distance when he finished third in this race last year, and general coach Sam Freedman believes he is better prepared this time around.
Bell Flower behind creative force and Naval Crown, landed with Group 1 at Randwick in March.
Freedman, who co-trained with father Anthony, said: “He is definitely stronger than last year and has come back as a better horse.
“He probably didn’t play well last year after the carnival. This time I’m a little more relaxed and not under as much pressure.
“There was a bit more expectations, but last year it was still unknown if he would hit the mark — this year we know he’s good enough.”
One last fun for Gibson
Coach Richard Gibson has no plans to apply for a 2023-24 Hong Kong license, but will represent the nation one last time with a group 1 winner Wellington.
The 53-year-old, who started training in Hong Kong in 2011, is bidding for his first Royal Ascot winner after yellow-happy runner-up in this competition in 2016.
Wellington, who Gibson believes was cut from a fabric similar to Gold-Fun, won four spots in group 1, including twice winning the coveted Presidents’ Sprint (G1) Award.
Gibson said: “He finished his last job on Thursday and that boosts the morale Ryan (Moore) is on board.
“Hong Kong’s sprint division has always been strong globally. Not many horses win the £6m prize money and he has to be very respected.”
