Coolmore, who support Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stables, are responsible for favorites The Lion In Winter, Expanded and Rock Of Cashel. Godolphin, a product of Sheikh Mohammed, who sponsors racing under the Darley Stud banner, will see its colors completed by the Charlie Appleby-trained duo of Shadow of Light and Ancient Truth.
The only rider not from one of the two major stables is the Hugo Palmer-trained Seagulls, who finished third in the National Stakes last time out. O’Brien changed his mind on Sea The Stars’ The Lion In Winter, a Ballydoyle gelding who was due to run in the Goffs Million after winning the Acomb Stakes at York.
Wimbledon runner-up Hawkeye’s form improved significantly as he won the Royal Lodge and The Waco Kid was successful in the Tattersalls Stakes, finishing fourth.
Expanded, a Wootton Bassett stallion, won his only start and Rock of Cashel has been open since stepping up in class. The Appleby pair also bring strong form to the table and Shadow Of Light was truly impressive in his six furlong win over Middle Park.
Now he goes on a journey. Ancient Truth is unbeaten in three races and is included in the Seagulls Eleven for the July Stakes. The maximum number of participants was 34, but only 25 joined the Godolphin Cesarevic Club.
They include last year’s winner Shunter by Emmett Mullins and Willie Mullins’ outsider Sea Sands. Joining Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroes Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan Starzinteireyes is one of seven for Pierre Zetland Palace, while Sir Michael Stout’s Nightwalker is one of six for the Emirates Autumn Stakes.
