Henrythenavigator sizzling favourite in St. James's Palace Stakes!
Henrythenavigator, the dual Guineas hero, is looking to start at 1-2 as he faces eight rivals at the St. James's Palace Stakes on the opening day of the Royal Ascot meet. Supplementing his two Classic wins will be topmost in his agenda.
Henrythenavigator's trainer Aidan O'Brien had earlier made the decision to miss the marquee Epsom Derby to concentrate on this Ascot Racecourse showpiece. The Epsom Derby was eventually won by New Approach, a horse whom Henrythenavigator had already defeated in both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas.
Henrythenavigator will be aiming to give O'Brien a fifth win in 10 years in the St. James's Palace Stakes.
Fast ground aids Henrythenavigator's performance and the Ballydoyle team will be hoping that Chris Stickels, Ascot Racecourse's clerk of the course, refrains from watering. Stickels described the going yesterday as good, good to firm in places but showers were expected.
The Ballydoyle team has also entered Minneapolis in the St James's Palace Stakes while Godolphin will be represented by Alexandros and Epsom Derby seventh Rio De La Plata . However, Rio De La Plata 's connections say that he will only run if the ground is suitable.
Other runners in the Ascot Racecourse showcase event are French 2000 Guineas winner Falco, English Guineas third placer Stubbs Art and fourth placer Raven's Pass. Raven's Pass jockey Jimmy Fortune has said that he is convinced the horse will be nearer the winning circle at the St. James's Palace Stakes.
Henry Cecil's Twice Over and the Brian Meehan-trained Cat Junior complete the line-up.
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