Pinatubo and Wichita set for exciting rematch

A star-studded field of 10 have been entered for Saturday’s St James’s Palace Stakes.

The standout entries at the head of the field come in the shape Pinatubo and Wichita – the QIPCO 2000 Guineas 3^rd and 2^nd respectively.

Pinatubo will be looking to return himself to the winners’ enclosure after a memorable two-year-old campaign which saw him crowned Champion of that age group. The Charlie Appleby-trained colt will be partnered by usual jockey William Buick, who will be looking for his first win in the race. Pinatubo was hardly disgraced in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, and connections will be confident of a big run back on slightly less stiff round-mile at Ascot

Wichita fared best of the O’Brien horses in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, being passed only by Kameko late on and connections will be hopeful he can go one better on the grandest stage.

What a memorable win from KAMEKO who bolts up through the pack in the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket, driven confidently to victory by the Champion jockey @oismurphy for Andrew Balding.

A first British Classic win for Oisin Murphy! pic.twitter.com/rrTYf5f5lV

— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) June 6, 2020

Another notable runner in the field is the Richard Hannon-trained, Threat. The three-year-old missed the QIPCO 2000 Guineas but will be looking to kick-start his season in emphatic style come Saturday. When last seen, he disappointed slightly in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, however after the extended lay-off connections will be hopeful of a big run.

Aidan O’Brien is typically mob-handed in the race, with Arizona, Fort Myers, Royal Dornoch and San Pedro also all receiving entries in what could prove to be a fascinating and tactical affair.

Full Entries:

Arizona, Fort Myers, Palace Pier, Pinatubo, Positive, Ropey Guest, Royal Dornoch, San Pedro, Threat, Wichita