Ascot preview: Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (14.30)

David Metcalf | October 16, 2015

Gleneagles can prove himself the best miler in Europe by getting the better of Solow to land the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot (14.30).

The Aidan O’Brien trained colt is a five-time Group 1 winner, albeit disqualified in one of those when landing the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadare at Longchamp as a juvenile, and put in a stunning display on seasonal reappearance when landing the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

After racing in touch on the stands side, Gleneagles made smooth headway two from home to take up the running at the furlong marker and quicken clear to beat Terrotories by 2 1/4 lengths.

The turn of foot shown by Gleneagles marked him out as something very special, and the beautifully bred son of Galileo followed up with success in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.

Gleneagles then had little difficulty landing the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes over course and distance when last seen in action, travelling powerfully throughout an scooting clear in impressive fashion a furlong from home to win easily by 2 1/2 lengths.

The three-year-old has since missed two engagements because of soft ground, but if O’Brien allows him to take his chance after walking the course Gleneagles looks the one to beat.

French raider Solow is bidding to make it five Group 1 wins on the bounce and is a formidable opponent in what looks a match on paper.