Churchill to face maximum of ten rivals in St James’s Palace

Churchill seeks more QIPCO British Champions Series glory at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Churchill will face a maximum of ten rivals in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner, who followed up in the Irish equivalent,could be joined by stablemates Orderofthegarter, Lancaster Bomber, Peace Envoy and Whitecliffsofdover.

Barney Roy, second to Churchill at Newmarket in the first QIPCO British Champions Series race of the year, missed the Irish Guineas to stay fresh for Ascot.

Thunder Snow is due to represent Saeed bin Suroor, while William Haggas has given Rivet the option.

There are two possible northern raiders, Richard Fahey’s Forest Ranger and Michael Dods’ Kings Gift.
Simon Dow’s Mr Scaramanga completes the list.

Ribchester, winner of the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time, heads 16 confirmations for the Queen Anne Stakes, while Marsha and Lady Aurelia head 21 left in the King’s Stand Stakes.