International challengers entered for Royal Ascot opening day

Able Friend is set to race at Royal Ascot. Image courtesy of Racingfotos.com.

A plethora of International stars are engaged to run on the opening day of Royal Ascot next Tuesday, including a mouth-watering tie involving Solow, Able Friend and Night of Thunder in the Queen Anne Stakes.

The trio are set to be joined by Toormore, Arod and Rizeena among the 11 entries for what is being regarded as one of the races of the Royal meeting.

Meanwhile, in the St James’s Palace Stakes, Irish 2000 Guineas runner-up Endless Drama was the only leading contender to be omitted at the latest confirmation stage, meaning that QIPCO 2000 Guineas hero Gleneagles will bid for a second QIPCO British Champions Series success at Royal Ascot against 14 rivals. 

Of those 14, Gallic stars Make Believe and Territories could be serious dangers to the Aidan O’Brien-trained British Classic winner’s charge, alongisde the Richard Hannon-trained pair Estidhkaar and Ivawood.

Sole Power, looking to win the King’s Stand Stakes for the third year in a row, is set to face all of the leading market contenders for the five-furlong sprint, as Mecca’s Angel and Muthmir, as well as Australian raiders Shamal Wind and Brazen Beau, were left in at the entry stage among the 24 competitors.