The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is now by far the richest mile race in Europe and one of the most valuable in the world.
Named in honour of the late Queen in 1955, the race is always fiercely contested and attracts some of the best milers around.
The Contenders
Charyn (6/4) still remains the one to beat in the miling division even after facing defeat by Tribalist in the Prix du Moulin at ParisLongchamp in September.
Roger Varian’s four-year-old colt was being heralded as Europe’s leading miler with a power-packed performance in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois at Deauville, but was undone tactically in the Moulin.
Winner Market -
The Deauville contest was a ‘Win and You’re In’ race for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, which offers a lucrative end-of-season target, so it is entirely plausible that Charyn won’t exactly be pushed to the limit should he come under pressure in the closing stages at Ascot.
That really does need to be factored into your betting deliberations for the QEII.
After a "phenomenal" return to action in the Matron Stakes, Fallen Angel (8/1 in our online betting) goes up in trip for the Prix de l’Opéra before she returns a fortnight later for the QEII.
The Moyglare and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner was purchased by Wathnan Racing just before the Irish Champions Festival and Karl Burke’s filly ran an excellent race to finish second to Porta Fortuna.
Fallen Angel will also have her sights set on the Prix de l’Opéra next, before hopefully returning to British shores for this valuable Group One.
With Wathnan picking up some excellent buys in recent months you wouldn’t bet against them tasting more success in this end of season finale.
According to his trainer Mario Baratti, Metropolitan (10/1 in the horse racing odds) is reported to be "stronger than ever" ahead of a tilt at the QEII.
His win in the Poule d'Essai was anything but a fluke, after a decent third place in the St James's Palace and then finished runner-up to Charyn in the Prix Jacques le Marois over the straight mile at Deauville.
Winner Market -
The French raider will more than likely be overlooked by British punters, but in my opinion he is the more likely of the dark horses lurking in the field.
Not seen on a racecourse since last March, Nashwa (14/1) would be of great interest if she could show any of her old sparkle on her belated return.
Winner of the Prix de Diane and Nassau Stakes in 2022 and an empathic scorer in last year's Falmouth Stakes, the five-year-old has not been seen in competitive action since running in the Dubai Turf at Meydan but her racecourse comeback is apparantly imminent.
Nashwa is entered in the Opera, Sun Chariot and the Champions Day QEII so punters will have to decide now whether she is a gift at odds of 14/1 for the latter race or not?
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes tip: Metropolitan (EW)
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
