'Hopefully he has a big chance' - Juan Elcano bids for a second Wolferton win

Tuesday: 5.35 Royal Ascot
Wolferton Stakes (Listed) | 1m2f | 4yo+ | ITV/Sky

This is a race that has declined year-on-year since it became a non-handicap in 2018. The winner that year, Monarchs Glen, achieved a Racing Post Rating of 121, but the last three winners have recorded 120, 117 and just 113 last year.

So is this going to be a stronger running or will the Wolferton continue to decline?

Last year's winner Juan Elcano is back and he did at least improve on his Wolferton-winning mark when second in the York Stakes later last season, recording an RPR of 115.

This race has been the target again for Juan Elcano and he was only 4lb shy of his peak when third of three on his return at Sandown – with the reopposing Foxes Tales in front of him – but it's likely he will need a better performance than last year to go back to back.

Cadillac registered an RPR of 116 when landing a Leopardstown Listed race a couple of weeks ago but now carries a 3lb penalty.

Trainer Jessica Harrington comes with a good reputation and has saddled two Royal Ascot winners from 25 runners this century, although a £1 bet on each would have lost £15.75.

Roger Varian won this in 2020 with Mountain Angel and appears to have had the race in mind for Movin Time since the start of the year. The Newmarket trainer reaches for first-time cheekpieces and does not apply the headgear often. Since the start of 2020, he is 2-20 with runners sporting the aid for the first time.

Regal Reality was third behind Enable and Magical in the Eclipse at Sandown in 2019, but he is a rare Sir Michael Stoute-trained horse who has gone backwards.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

'The plan was always to go to Ascot'

Juan Elcano will make a welcome return to Royal Ascot, 12 months on from landing a surprise 14-1 win in this Listed contest.

It was a crowning moment for the Kevin Ryan-trained runner, who will again be partnered by Andrea Atzeni, and the pair followed up last year's success with a career-best performance when beaten just a head in the York Stakes.

Although failing to win in three starts since, assistant trainer Adam Ryan was encouraged by the five-year-old's seasonal debut in a three-horse running of the Gordon Richards Stakes in April.

"It was a nice return to action for him at Sandown, despite a fairly small field," Ryan said. "It felt like quite a decent race. The plan was always to go to Ascot straight after and it's all gone smoothly.

"He's in great order and won the race last year, so we know he likes the track and a bigger field like this will be far more suitable."

Juan Elcano is near the head of the market and Ryan feels another big run could be on the cards as he bids to become the first two-time winner of the Wolferton.

"I think it's a similar sort of race to last year," he said. "It attracts a good number of older horses and it's a quality race, so if he turns up in the same order as last year then hopefully he has a big chance."

What they say

Shane Foley, rider of Cadillac
The blinkers seemed to ignite him again. He's going on the back of a good win. On ratings he has to have a massive shout. We thought he was a very good two-year-old and the last day was probably the first time he looked like the horse we thought he was. He has a nice draw and I'd say the ground will be lovely.

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Dubai Future
Dubai Future is in good condition and has come on for his run at Sandown. This distance suits and he's ready to go.

Oliver Cole, joint-trainer of Majestic Dawn
I'm going to walk the course on Tuesday to see if he runs but he goes there in really good form. I know what he likes, and we'll see if we're happy. Providing it's good, safe ground I think he'll run a huge race. He's in the best form of his life at home.

Rob Hornby, rider of New Mandate
I always think course form is important. He really toughed it out well at Ascot in his first run of the year, which was pleasing to see. It was worth rolling the dice just to see how he would shape up at Group 1 level and he was a little bit off where he needed to be in a very competitive Lockinge. That was a tough assignment and this is much nicer for him and he's got plenty of ability at this grade. I was really surprised at his price and think he's got a great shout at those odds.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Star Safari
Star Safari has been a solid campaigner in Dubai and fits the conditions of this race well. His preparation has gone nicely and he won't look out of place in the field.

David Probert, rider of Foxes Tales
He's drawn a little bit wide but he's won at the meeting before and he's not too ground dependent. He's in great form at home and I'm hoping he's got a big chance.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Harrovian
He ran a huge race on Saudi Cup day, but things didn't go to plan in Dubai. He's had a nice break and has been training well into the race.
Reporting by Catherine Macrae

Tuesday at Royal Ascot:

2.30 Ascot: 'He's improving all the time' - find out who reckons they can beat Baaeed

3.05 Ascot: 'I really do believe he's the real deal' - Hannon excited about Coventry chance

3.40 Ascot: Golden Pal v Nature Strip: Wesley Ward and Chris Waller on their sprint stars

4.20 Ascot: Charlie Appleby bullish over 2,000 Guineas hero Coroebus in St James's Palace

5.00 Ascot: Royal Ascot or Cheltenham? It's Mullins v Elliott again in Ascot Stakes

6.10 Ascot: is Aidan O'Brien's runner a handicap blot in the Copper Horse?

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