Royal Ascot Two-Year-Old Races Recap: Exciting Juvenile Talents & Surprising Victories

The Excitement Builds at Royal Ascot: Recapping the Two-Year-Old Races

As the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting draws to a close, the two-year-old races have undoubtedly been a major talking point. With only one successful favorite this year and a range of SP winners from 5-1 to a staggering 150-1, there are plenty of intriguing storylines and promising youngsters to follow.

Coventry Stakes

In the Coventry Stakes, Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber secured a narrow victory, with a Racing Post Rating of 110. Despite scraping home by just a neck, the unbeaten colt looks to have serious potential and the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh could be a logical next target. The runner-up, Archie Watson’s Army Ethos, is another juvenile to keep an eye on, likely suited by the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.

Queen Mary Stakes

The Queen Mary Stakes saw a US-trained winner, as George Weaver’s Crimson Advocate led from the front to hold off the fast-finishing Relief Rally. The Breeders’ Cup could be on the agenda for the daughter of Nyquist. William Haggas’ Relief Rally was the eye-catcher, while others such as Flora Of Bermuda and Lady Pink Rose also caught the attention.

Windsor Castle Stakes

Mick Appleby’s Big Evs produced an impressive all-the-way victory in the Windsor Castle Stakes, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Alabama also emerging as a promising prospect despite his 25-1 starting price.

Norfolk Stakes

The biggest shock of the week came in the Norfolk Stakes, where 150-1 shot Valiant Force stormed to victory for trainer Adrian Murray. He beat the Richard Fahey-trained Malc, who deserves credit for his strong finishing effort.

Albany Stakes and Chesham Stakes

Frankie Dettori celebrated his 80th Royal Ascot win aboard Donnacha O’Brien’s Porta Fortuna in the Albany Stakes, while the Chesham Stakes saw a debut winner in the form of Gavin Cromwell’s Snellen.

With so many talented juveniles on display, the two-year-old division is certainly one to watch as the season progresses. The results and performances at Royal Ascot have provided plenty of food for thought and excitement for the future.

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