ROYAL ASCOT PREVIEW | The St James’s Palace Stakes

After racing in three versions of the 2000 Guineas across Europe in May, POETIC FLARE (4/1) returns to British soil to make his Royal Ascot debut in the St James’s Palace Stakes for Jim Bolger.

The son of Dawn Approach caused an upset at Newmarket at odds of 16/1 at the beginning of May, fighting off the advances of Master Of The Seas to win by a short head.

The severe cut in the ground at Longchamp could have affected the colt when he finished sixth in the French renewal, but he combatted the difficult conditions much better in the Irish contest when beaten by stablemate Mac Swiney.

He has been rested since and he is a leading player based on form and ratings.

BATTLEGROUND (13/2) was disappointing at Newmarket, but Aidan O’Brien’s colt could bounce back at the first opportunity here.

The son of Arc winner Found can be forgiven for his poor performance last time out and has a tongue-tie in for this contest.

If he can follow up his smart two-year-old form, the three-year-old could be one to watch here.

He is joined by stablemates WEMBLEY (28/1), who will also be hoping to revive his two-year-old form, and ONTARIO (125/1).

Richard Hannon’s CHINDIT (11/2) has seen his price drop for this contest overnight and LUCKY VEGA (6/1) will be hoping to claim success on his swansong for Jessica Harrington.

Charlie Appleby holds two entries in the contest. HIGHLAND AVENUE (8/1) makes the step up into grouped company while LA BARROSA (20/1) could appreciate the return to a faster surface after struggling at the Curragh last month.

MOSTAHDAF (17/2) has made rapid progress this season under John & Thady Gosden, while Joseph O’Brien’s THUNDER MOON (17/2) has yet to rediscover last season’s exciting form after disappointing in the 2000 Guineas.

Mark Johnston’s NAAMOOS (22/1), Sir Michael Stoute’s MAXIMAL (25/1) and Ralph Beckett’s BULLACE (50/1) complete the field at Ascot.

SELECTIONS:

• Lucky Vega @ 6/1
• Wembley E/W @ 28/1