Princess Elizabeth Stakes Preview

William Haggas and Johnny Murtagh are a formidable combination and they team up with the useful Sentaril. The filly by Danehill Dancer went to Royal Ascot last year on the back of two easy victories and was a fast finishing second to Ishvana.

She is still seeking that elusive Group race victory and looks primed to put up a bold show judged by her reappearance at Goodwood. Graham Lee rode her on that occasion and struggled to get a run up the rail until it was too late, eventually finishing half a length behind Burke’s Rock.

There is very little to choose between any of these on official ratings with Roger Charlton’s Thistle Bird marginally the best on 107. She also shaped encouragingly when third to Dank and Chigun at Newmarket. The runner-up went on to win a Group 3 at the Curragh last weekend so Thistle Bird warrants respect.

Ladys First and Starscope are both right in contention after finishing third and fourth to the Aga Khan’s useful Dalkala at York. Ladys First is as tough as they come and is closely matched with Thistle Bird on a line through Dank.

John Gosden’s Starscope was runner-up in the 1000 Guineas and the Coronation Stakes last year but does not look an easy ride. She was doing her best work at the finish at York last time but may not find this course to her liking.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Ultrasonic disappointed over seven furlongs at Lingfield last time and her best form so far has been at a shorter distance. Beatrice Aurore put up some creditable performances in defeat last season and could sneak into the money again here if she is fit enough to do herself justice.

Trainer Ralph Beckett has some big chances at this meeting and Waterway Run has a chance on her fine effort when sixth in the French Guineas behind Flotilla. The field is completed by Gifted Girl, Making Eyes and Ighraa.