Royal Ascot - Queen Mary Stakes

Royal Ascot (Day 2, Race 5)

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo) Winner £42,578

Picks: Shumoos (win) & Somasch (each/way)

Best Terms: Plenty of promise when making an cosy winning debut and booked her ticket after making all to beat subsequent winner Dijarvo easily by 2 lengths in 3-runner Newbury minor event last time; No possible limit to potential and obviously considered.

Bubbly Ballerina: Broke well and showed bags of early speed when beaten 1¾ lengths by Redair on debut at Kempton, form which is solid for the level; Better form when third behind Vocational in Listed race and easy maiden winner latest but this far harder even with Barzalona.

Caledonia Lady: Did show a bit of promise when close fifth of 10 on recent debut at Leicester but this flying too high.

Charlotte Rosina: Came nine lengths clear with odds on shot when making winning start at Sandown, having been under the pump at halfway: Decent form but this far harder and others with abundant promise so hard to fancy.

Dozy: Recovered from a slow start to get up in plenty of time in Nottingham maiden and then creating deeper impression when beating Vocational with good bit to spare at Beverley latest; Has one of best chances in race on that form.

Ebony Clarets: Had bit to spare when winning Pontefract maiden on debut in April & while she has potential to do better still, that same of many in this field; Big trainer/jockey runners always respected here though.

Fire Lily: Slowly away, green early and also unable to get a clear run until later stages when quickening smartly to beat decent pair at Navan on debut; Beaten into third on second start but winner won Coventry and second was previously unbeaten, so form as good as any and stable bidding to go one better than last year, so respected.

Gypsy Robin: Runaway debut win in Keeneland fillies maiden special weight in April (4.5f on fast dirt) was a serious effort, and stable that too this with Jaealous Again are very keen on her chances; Likely to make a bold bid.

Kohala: Holds a good link to Dozy through the well beaten second in her Redcar Maiden auction (horse in question not far behind winner next time out) and could hold claims on that form, for all that this is far more difficult.

On The Dark Side: Managed to win on debut when well backed, sticking her head out to get better of three way tie; Woodcote third has been fairly represented since and Booking of Jamie Spencer speaks volumes, although still hard not to think that she’s stable second string.

Ruby’s Day: Beat dual winner at Chantilly with plenty to spare last time and had ran very highly regarded Judy The Beauty (had previously won too) on debut; Needs respecting under Dettori.

Shumoos: Made most impressive debut seen by a British 2yo this year when spreadeagling Haydock maiden opposition; As if that not convincing enough, second has since won twice, (inc Windsor Castle Stakes) & given stable’s record of improving 2yos from debut she is one to beat, albeit with fierce opposition.

Somasch: Only just got there by a head and would have been passed by runner up afterwards but that doesn’t tell the whole story, having been put out wide thanks to draw and having to fight hard to lead; Likely to improve (which she must do so) but this yard always feared and has to be respected.

Vocational: Lived up to a decent family (Lowther/Cheveley Park-winning dam) when running out well to win maiden (all the way success) at Warwick & has bettered that form since, running into good ones in Miss Work Of Art and Dozy last time out (gave away ground at start); Can make bold bid but this tougher than both and will have competition on for lead.

VERDICT: This could be a better renewal than usual with US, French and Irish challengers taking on the home side. While the value has gone from SHUMOOS she sets a high standard on her Haydock rout and more improvement may be coming, so she gets the pick. Gypsy Robin is likely to take plenty of catching here and can go well, while Irish challengers Fire Lily & especially Somasch have been ignored and deserve respect. Dozy should go well.