Caravaggio heads possibles for Commonwealth Cup

Caravaggio is set to put his unbeaten record on the line in the Commonwealth Cup. Picture: racingfotos.com

The unbeaten Caravaggio heads 19 horses confirmed for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Winner of the Coventry Stakes at the meeting 12 months ago, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt went on to land the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August and he impressed on his comeback run when easily winning a Group Three at Naas last month.

His trainer Aidan O’Brien has a total of five possibles in the QIPCO British Champions Series contest with his team also comprising Intelligence Cross, Peace Envoy, Pedestal and Alphabet.

Sheila Lavery’s Mr Scarlet is another Irish entry while the French are represented by Pia Brandt’s Fas and Straight Right from Christophe Ferland’s stable.

Leading the home challenge is the Clive Cox-trained Harry Angel and Godolphin’s Blue Point, trained by Charlie Appleby. American trainer Wesley Ward is responsible for Bound For Nowhere while Legendary Lunch, Sir Dancealot, Sparkalot, Tis Marvellous, Victory Angel, Visionary, Yalta and Queen Kindly are also possibles.

French 1000 Guineas winner Precieuse is in line for a showdown with dual Classic heroine Winter after being supplemented for the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Precieuse, who is trained by Fabrice Chappet, beat Sea Of Grace at Deauville and the William Haggas-trained runner-up is also among the 12 confirmations.

Winter sets the standard thanks her victories in the English and Irish 1000 Guineas. Her trainer Aidan O’Brien has three other possibles in Roly Poly and Hydrangea, who were second and third respectively at the Curragh, plus Rain Goddess. She was fifth behind Precieuse in France.

Joseph O’Brien has left in Irish 1,000 Guineas fourth Intricately while there is a second French raider in Wajnah, who was fourth in the Deauville Classic.

There is a North American challenger in the Mark Casse-trained La Coronel. Completing the dozen are John Gosden’s pair of Daban and Dabyah and Roger Varian’s Tomyris.