The Royal Hunt Cup is a cavalry charge handicap run over a mile. It takes place at 17:00 on Wednesday 21st June, which is the second day of Royal Ascot 2023. View the runners here, and also make sure to check out the odds and tips on offer for this race.

NO.DRAW
FORM

HORSE

ODDS

JOCKEY& TRAINER

AGE

WGT

RPR

19⁽¹⁹⁾

25-704

Orbaan

J: Jason Watson

T: David O'Meara

8-13

122

Ready winner of last year's Golden Mile at Goodwood but had a favourable draw and everything went right; showed clear signs of a return to form at Epsom on latest outing; has the ability to go well but it's difficult to envisage him landing this pot aged eight.

8⁽²⁰⁾

712-67

Bless Him

J: Jamie Spencer

T: David Simcock

9-5

103

120

Won the Britannia here in 2017; has performed respectably in two attempts at this prize, finishing ninth in 2018 and seventh overall (second home among near-side group) last year; unlikely to make it third time lucky aged nine, however.

7⁽³¹⁾

707-46

Intellogent

J: James Doyle

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

9-6

104

124

Group 1 winner in 2018 when trained in France; 0-9 for current yard but ran well (close second) off 1lb higher in this contest 12 months ago and has a fighting chance if back in the same form; hinted at a revival on latest outing.

24⁽²⁷⁾

6-3236

Ouzo

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

8-11

119

Consistent in defeat for current yard, latterly at Meydan early this year; creditable fourth (off 1lb higher) in this race in 2021 when with Richard Hannon; the big negative is his losing spell, which goes back to 2020.

14⁽¹⁸⁾

8-9319

Revich

J: Jason Hart

T: Richard Spencer

9-0

120

Won well at Chester two starts ago, albeit with the race panning out perfectly; didn't have the same set-up at Epsom last time; circumstances aside, he's handicapped to the hilt (remains on career-high mark); down the field in this in 2021.

NR⁽¹⁷⁾

284-15

Migration

T: David Menuisier

10-1

113

118

Has bagged a few notable handicaps at 1m/1m2f, including this year's Lincoln on heavy ground; comfortably held in Newmarket Group 3 subsequently; returns to an ideal type of race but current mark presents a demanding task.

30⁽⁹⁾

73-509

Light And Dark

J: David Probert

T: Saeed bin Suroor

8-9

118

Last win came on AW in 2020; raced just eight times since, proving far from consistent; failed to beat a rival on latest start (wore hood); unappealing contender and yard has a much stronger chance with Ghaly.

2⁽²⁵⁾

9-4645

Tempus

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

9-11

109

121

Not in top form since completing a Group 3 double last August; however, has a record of 131 in C&D handicaps, the third-place finish in this race (on fast ground) last year; with that in mind, could well stage a revival.

10⁽⁸⁾

2/211-

Ghaly

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Saeed bin Suroor

9-4

102

121

Lightly raced and progressive; acts on any ground; has form figures of 12211 in 1m handicaps, most recently winning off 8lb lower at Newmarket last October in a race that has worked out very well; won from Blue For You the time before; may improve further this term, despite being a 7yo now; trainer won this race in 2010 and 2021; very interesting contender.

23⁽²³⁾

-73101

Bear Force One

J: Lewis Edmunds

T: Roger Teal

8-12

119

Useful handicapper on AW/turf; beat several of these rivals to win at Newbury (1m, good) most recently but had a possible tactical advantage with his track position and going from the front; remains to be seen whether this pans out so favourably.

5⁽¹⁶⁾

561-15

Positive

J: Adam Kirby

T: Clive Cox

9-8

106

118

Absent since a disappointing effort in major prize on Good Friday when bidding for AW hat-trick; landed the 2019 Solario but has failed to score on grass since and last year's two turf efforts cement doubts.

13⁽¹²⁾

9460-4

Astro King

J: Richard Kingscote

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

9-1

123

Suited by good/firmer; performed well in two attempts at this contest when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, finishing second in 2021 (first home on near side) then fourth in 2022; eyecatching and unlucky fourth (off this mark) in the Hambleton at York on debut for the Kublers, finishing nicely after meeting prolonged traffic issues; strong claims back here.

21⁽³⁰⁾

3409-7

Perotto

J: David Egan

T: Roger Varian

8-12

125

All wins on good/firmer; on a 14-race losing sequence but otherwise has plenty going for him, having recorded his biggest success in the Britannia over C&D two years ago (off 3lb higher; for Marcus Tregoning) and shaped promisingly in the Victoria Cup here (7f, soft) last month on debut for Roger Varian; has Group form and peak mark was a stone higher; very interesting with the return to 1m looking ideal.

11⁽²⁶⁾

2170-5

Blue For You

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O'Meara

9-3

101

120

Trained in Ireland prior to 2022; consistent spell last summer culminated in a success at the York Ebor festival on good ground; ties in with progressive Ghaly on one piece of form; made a respectable reappearance in the Hambleton Handicap back at York, while shaping as if the run would put him spot-on for this contest; likely to go well.

26⁽²¹⁾

/49-43

Aerion Power

J: Harry Davies

T: Sir Michael Stoute

8-11

122

Progressive sort in 2020 and 2021, showing useful form on occasions; record since returning from 14-month absence last autumn isn't so compelling; not disgraced in Class 3 event at Sandown most recently but now returns to a much stronger level.

22⁽¹³⁾

-43673

Greatgadian

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Roger Varian

8-12

117

Respectable sixth in this year's Lincoln and his two subsequent races (in cheekpieces) haven't entirely gone his way; now wears blinkers; only 1-14 on turf compared to 3-7 on AW but he's nicely treated on two placed efforts here last season; finished 11th in this contest in 2022.

28⁽⁴⁾

03-010

Isla Kai

J: Rowan Scott

T: Nigel Tinkler

8-10

121

Creditable sixth off 6lb higher in this race 12 months ago; however, has developed inconsistency, with last six form figures reading 003010 (the win came in lower grade at Ripon); not guaranteed to give his running.

31⁽²⁾

33-745

Dual Identity

J: Neil Callan

T: William Knight

8-8

123

Best form is at 1m1f/1m2f but his 2023 efforts suggest this drop back to 1m is worth exploring; good third (clear first home in far-side group) off only 1lb lower in last year's Cambridgeshire and holds each-way hopes on that effort.

17⁽¹¹⁾

112-12

Dunum

J: Wayne Lordan

T: Miss Natalia Lupini

8-13

117

Irish 5yo who has progressive RPRs and form figures of 1111212, all in competitive handicaps, for current trainer; went very close in 20-runner field at the Curragh (1m, good; unraced on firmer) most recently; acts on soft ground; looks an ideal type for this race and could well have further improvement in him; stable in great form (four wins from six runners) this month; rock-solid contender who commands respect.

16⁽¹⁰⁾

143915

Outbreak

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Charlie Johnston

8-13

119

Largely useful form in handicaps (AW/turf) this year, notably a win at Newmarket two outings back; respectable fifth at Newbury (again over 1m) latest but faces a harder task in this field; still on career-high mark.

20⁽³⁾

1038-1

Chasing Aphrodite

J: Hayley Turner

T: Harry Eustace

8-12

121

Yet to encounter ground softer than good; had wind surgery prior to his reappearance success in 15-runner apprentice handicap over C&D seven weeks ago, taking overall record to 3-6 (3-4 on turf) and setting him up perfectly for a Royal Hunt Cup bid; looks the type to improve further; very appealing.

18⁽²⁴⁾

11-058

Atrium

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Charlie Fellowes

8-13

119

Generally progressive in 2021 and 2022, including two successes at this venue; ended last season with two wins elsewhere; less appealing on the balance of this year's form and his improvement has perhaps ended; chance partly depends on whether first-time headgear gives him a boost.

25⁽²⁸⁾

0-1622

Point Lynas

J: Tom Marquand

T: Edward Bethell

8-11

121

Career has been steadily progressive; good second at York (Hambleton Handicap) and Nottingham (small-field Class 2) the last twice, both over 1m on fast ground; back in deeper waters but due to go up 3lb in future handicaps and looks well treated.

3⁽³²⁾

/226-7

Reach For The Moon

J: Frankie Dettori

T: John & Thady Gosden

9-10

108

119

Acts on soft and good to firm ground; disappointing in last three appearances, including when turned over at odds-on in the Hampton Court Stakes here 12 months ago; previously a smart sort, having won the Solario as a 2yo and performed well behind highly notable rivals on a few occasions; favourably treated on handicap debut, granted a revival.

29⁽¹⁴⁾

17375-

Koy Koy

J: James McDonald

T: George Boughey

8-10

118

Has mixed form figures (17375) for current stable, most recently fifth to Awaal at Redcar last October; subsequently gelded; hood (worn last twice) is removed; good third to Atrium at Newbury on last attempt without headgear; heed the market signals on reappearance.

12⁽²²⁾

0379-9

Sonny Liston

J: Ryan Moore

T: Ralph Beckett

9-2

100

119

Campaigned in Listed/Group races for Charles Hills after debut win, earning triple-digit RPRs on two occasions; not an immediate hit at handicap level on debut for Ralph Beckett but may improve with that reappearance run under his belt; wears first-time headgear.

15⁽¹⁾

147-04

Dawn Of Liberation

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

9-0

116

Raced mainly on good/firmer; scored twice in spring 2022; no further progress but shaped encouragingly at Chester (7.5f; stayed on from difficult position) most recently; could go well, with this return to 1m looking a plus.

4⁽¹⁵⁾

30-655

Imperial Fighter

J: Callum Hutchinson

T: Andrew Balding

9-9

107

0-9 since 2yo debut win; well treated on some Group efforts, notably third in last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas; doesn't appeal on 2023 form in small-field events, beating a total of one rival; handicap debut.

27⁽⁵⁾

601-00

Wanees

J: Jim Crowley

T: Charles Hills

8-11

121

Acts on soft and good to firm ground; progressive in 2021 and 2022, winning four times; has a doubt over current form, having posted two duck eggs this term, but a revival is possible in first-time blinkers (replacing hood) and he has Royal Ascot credentials having performed well (sixth) in last year's Britannia; trainer won this contest in 2019 and 2022; not dismissed.

9⁽⁷⁾

05-018

Jimi Hendrix

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

9-5

103

117

Acts on soft and good to firm ground; took really well to first-time blinkers in the Spring Cup at Newbury, scoring readily, and subsequent flop seems to confirm that he's unsuited by the Newmarket Rowley Mile course; may still have more to offer in the blinds and he has Royal Ascot form having finished third in last year's Britannia; one to consider.

6⁽²⁹⁾

121-29

Awaal

J: William Buick

T: Simon & Ed Crisford

9-7

105

118

Still has very low mileage; form dipped in French Listed event two months ago but progressive otherwise and could easily bounce back; two handicap attempts (1m, heavy) have resulted in a ready win at Redcar and good second in the Lincoln; ran creditably on good ground once; goes well fresh and remains of interest.

RACING POST TIP

Dunum

With a rock-solid profile and the possibility of even more improvement, Irish raider DUNUM (nap) is particularly appealing. He looks an ideal type for this contest and the timing is perfect, with his trainer in cracking form this month. Ghaly, another progressive sort who has strong credentials, is second choice ahead of Blue For You who ties in with that rival on a piece of form last term. Perotto holds obvious claims and Astro King looks set for another good effort, while unexposed Chasing Aphrodite and handicap debutant Reach For The Moon are other suggestions for the shortlist. As regards the draw, there has been no clear bias in recent years and the winners have come from various parts of the course.

Verdict

Past 10 Winners

YEAR	WINNER [DRAW]	AGE	WGT	SP	TRAINER	JOCKEY	RPR
2022	Dark Shift [15]	4	9-1	13/2	Charles Hills	James McDonald	108
2021	Real World [4]	4	8-6	18/1	Saeed bin Suroor	Marco Ghiani 3	113
2020	Dark Vision [11]	4	9-1	15/2	Mark Johnston	William Buick	112
2019	Afaak [21]	5	9-3	20/1	Charles Hills	Jim Crowley	113
2018	Settle For Bay [22]	4	9-1	16/1	David Marnane	W J Lee	111
2017	Zhui Feng [26]	4	9-0	25/1	Amanda Perrett	Martin Dwyer	110
2016	Portage [4]	4	9-5	10/1	M Halford	James Doyle	115
2015	Gm Hopkins [11]	4	9-3	8/1	John Gosden	Ryan Moore	114
2014	Field Of Dream [33]	7	9-1	20/1	Jamie Osborne	Adam Kirby	112
2013	Belgian Bill [6]	5	8-11	33/1	George Baker	James Doyle	107

Key race stats

Officially rated between 97 and 105, 9/10
Carried between 8st 11lb and 9st 3lb, 8/10
Won or been placed in a field of at least 14 runners, 8/10
Top-three finish at least once that season, 8/10 (both exceptions making reappearance)
Ran between one and four times that campaign, 8/10
Aged four or five, 8/10 (six aged four)
Rated within 3lb of RPR top-rated, 7/10
Distance winner, 6/10

Other factors

In 2016, Portage became the first winner to defy a penalty since Macadamia in 2003.
There have been only three winning favourites in the last 34 years –True Panache in 1989, Yeast in 1996 and Forgotten Voice in 2009.
Only three of the last ten winners were drawn in single figures, while none were drawn between stalls 12 and 20.
Four winners wore some form of headgear.

What happened last year?

Run in a quicker time than the Duke of Cambridge, last year’s Royal Hunt Cup was won by Dark Shift, who took his record at the track to four wins from six starts. Held up early, he came through the field travelling much the best under James McDonald, who was successful on day one of the meeting with Nature Strip, before being shaken up to lead in the final furlong. Intellogent ran a huge race off a big weight at 40-1 to take second.

Royal Hunt Cup

17:00 Royal Ascot

RACING POST TIP

Verdict

Past 10 Winners

Key race stats

What happened last year?

All Races