The Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will be run over 1 mile at Ascot on Saturday. This race for three year olds and above has been won by some great horses over the years, none more so than Brigadier Gerard and Dubai Millennium. This years race worth £250,000.00 looks to be set up for Rip Van Winkle. There are likely to be only four runners and Delegator from the Godolphin team will be the biggest danger. Rip Van Winkle (pictured) was very impressive in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. He stays beyond a mile and I expect he will make all the running and stretch Delegator’s stamina to the limit.
I should be able to hear a commentary of the race as I drive to Ipswich for the game against Newcastle. It will be an emotional afternoon as the North Stand will be renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Stand in a ceremony at half time.