racing_news/

Outstanding Entries For Ascot Festival Weekend
20/09/05

Going Good with the forecast predominantly dry.

The Ascot Festival, which this weekend launches Newmarket's record-breaking run of top class racing on the Rowley Mile, has attracted outstanding five-day entries and confirmations. Ten have stood their ground in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1), sponsored by Barclays Bank, with Chic, Sleeping Indian, Mullins Bay and Virginia Waters amongst those who could take on the big three - Dubawi, Rakti and Starcraft.

In Saturday's other Group 1 event, the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile, the 13 confirmations include Rumplestiltskin, Alexandrova and Chenchikova from Aidan O'Brien's all-conquering stable, while Mostaqeleh, Nasheej and Salut d'Amour feature amongst the home-trained horses. The Princess Royal John Doyle Stakes (Group 3), which opens Saturday's card, has attracted 25 entries including one of the stars of last season, Ouija Board.

City of Troy
© racing-images.co.uk

On Sunday, the 18 in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3) include Mubtaker, Bandari and Cherry Mix; the 22 confirmed for the totesport.com Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2) include five from Ballydoyle, most notably Horatio Nelson, and Sir Michael Stoute's highly regarded colt, City of Troy; and the 19 confirmed for the totepool Diadem Stakes (Group 2) include a host of this season's top sprinters, including La Cucaracha, Ashdown Express and Moss Vale.

"These are cracking entries, with the QE2 in particular looking like a real belter, and we are all set for a memorable weekend at the Home of Racing," said Newmarket's Clerk of the Course, Michael Prosser. "The going is currently Good and the forecast is predominantly dry with the likelihood of light rain on Thursday night."

Tickets are on sale for all of Newmarket's autumn fixtures with generous advance booking discounts available. Visit www.newmarketracecourses.co.uk or call 01638 675 500.