Desert Crown sparks 'significant Royal Ascot gamble' after dazzling under Ryan Moore in Newmarket gallop

Desert Crown: beaten at odds of 2-5 on his return

Desert Crown: bang on course for Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

A scintillating gallop on Wednesday morning from last year's Derby winner Desert Crown has resulted in bookmakers running for cover from what they described as "the start of a significant Royal Ascot gamble", slashing his price for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

A best-priced 6-1 before the dazzling gallop, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old is now as short as 2-1 for a potential blockbuster clash with Ballydoyle star Luxembourg and fellow Derby winner Adayar.

Desert Crown, who was partnered by Ryan Moore on the Al Bahathri Polytrack, was first trimmed to 9-2 (from 11-2) by Paddy Power for the 1m2f Group 1 on June 21, but the bookmakers were forced to take further evasive action and now offer 5-2.

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David MilnesNewmarket correspondent

Published on 7 June 2023inRoyal Ascot

Last updated 14:05, 8 June 2023

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