Can William Buick break new ground on Mill Stream in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes?

William Buick teams up with an old friend in a bid to land one of the few top races that still eludes him.

The champion jockey has never won this Group 1 sprint, although he came agonisingly close two years ago on Godolphin's Creative Force, who was caught in the last strides by 33-1 stablemate Naval Crown.

His main employer has nothing in the field this year so he is free to ride for Jane Chapple-Hyam, who had him on board when Saffron Beach scored her only previous top-level successes in 2021 and 2022.

Buick and Mill Stream warmed up by getting the best of a bunch finish to win last month's Duke of York Stakes. 

The jockey said: "He did well to win. It was a messy race and he should have won by further. Ascot's going to suit him and I think the sprint division is open at the moment. If you can mark up his Duke of York performance, he's in with a shout."

Mill Stream (white cap) came out on top narrowly at York last monthCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Chapple-Hyam, who is convinced that Mill Stream is an improved horse at the age of four, said: "This has always been the plan since his win in the Duke Of York and he'll enjoy the quick ground.

"He's been in super form since then, including when William came in to work him on the Limekilns. He's in the same box as Black Caviar was in at home when she won the race, so hopefully it can prove a lucky box again."

Going and non-runner news

The ground was officially good to firm on Friday, although there was the possibility of showers overnight and on Saturday. Kinross was withdrawn on Saturday morning due to the going.

What they say

Alastair Donald, racing manager to King Power Racing, owners of Art Power
There is a bit of rain forecast; the more the better for him. We all know he's not as good on quicker ground, but he still runs good races. He's in great shape and loves the track.

Eve Johnson Houghton, trainer of Jumby
Everyone thinks I'm mad but I've put a pair of blinkers on him and I think he's got a chance to place. If the ground stays the same, I don't think everything's going to run but he wants it rattling firm. He's been unlucky this year and he has a shout.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Khaadem and Mitbaahy
Khaadem will love the ground. It will be the first time he's had his conditions since he won the race last year and he's definitely come on for his run at York. Mitbaahy is in good shape. I've been very happy with him since his win at the Curragh. A stiff six furlongs suits him well and the ground will be fine.

Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan Racing, owners of Shartash
He's done nothing but shorten in the odds since we bought him. He was a very good two-year-old who slightly lost his way at three but he went to Archie Watson, was gelded and has been impressive over seven furlongs twice this year. In both he was most impressive after six and a half, so the stiff six furlongs will be right up his alley. 

Richard Hannon, trainer of Shouldvebeenaring
I was slightly disappointed with his run in Ireland but he was over on the far side and out of the race a little bit. He ran a very disappointing race at Newmarket on his second run, but he was back to his best at York. He's working very well.

Richard Hannon: runs Shouldvebeenaring in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of The Wizard Of Eye and Vadream
I hate The Wizard Of Eye's draw in stall 14 of 14  but if anyone can conjure up some Royal Ascot magic, Ryan Moore can. There is lots of pace, there could be gaps to duck into and get cover and I've always felt he's quick enough for six furlongs. It's a big step up in grade but conditions are ideal. Vadream hated the ground on Tuesday. We're taking the cheekpieces off and will ride her a bit more kindly this time. If any rain comes it will be to her advantage.

Kevin Ryan, trainer of Washington Heights
He's in great form and likes top-of-the-ground. I think he's come on again from York, where I thought he was a little bit unlucky. He just got a bit lonely after making his move a shade early, so we'll hang on to him a bit on Saturday.

George Boughey, trainer of Believing
She ran a huge race to be fourth in the King Charles III Stakes on Tuesday. She was drawn away from the leaders, which wasn't ideal, but knuckled down well when she got a gap. I was really pleased she hit the line strongly and was as fresh as paint this morning. I'm happy to see her back at six furlongs and she seems to be drawn around the pace.

Karl Burke, trainer of Swingalong
I'm expecting a big run. She loves Ascot and has been placed in two Group 1 races there. She needed the run first time out at York and she looks in good order. 

Read more Saturday previews:

2.30 Ascot: 'She looked a classy filly and her jockey really liked her' - key quotes and analysis for the Chesham

3.05 Ascot: 'We'll find out just how good he is' - Continuous and Middle Earth clash in a high-class Hardwicke Stakes 

4.25 Ascot: 'He's always shown us plenty of pace' - can River Tiber reverse Irish 2,000 Guineas form with Haatem in Jersey Stakes?  

5.05 Ascot: 'We've saved him for this - I think he’ll run very well' - who fancies their chances in a wide-open Wokingham? 

5.40 Ascot: 'If he gets into a nice rhythm, he'll run a big race' - quotes and analysis for the Golden Gates Stakes 

6.15 Ascot: 'He's put up two good performances in defeat against Kyprios' - who will come out on top in this stamina-sapping contest? 

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