Royal Ascot 2015: Prince Of Wales’ Stakes preview (16.20)

Runners from four different continents clash in the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, and Free Eagle is taken to land the 1m 2f feature race on the second day of Royal Ascot for Ireland.

The Dermot Weld trained colt as always been held in the highest regard but, after putting in stunning performance to win on his debut as a juvenile, suffered an injury when sent off odds-on an beaten by subsequent dual Derby winner Australia.

This son of of High Chaparral was then on the sidelines for 371 days before romping to a seven length success in a Group 3 contest at Leopardstown in the manner of a star performer in the making.

Free Eagle then ran an absolute stormer to finish a 1 1/2 length third to Noble Mission in the Group 1 Champion Stakes over course and distance when last seen in action on heavy ground which was not ideal.

It was a cracking effort for an inexperienced horse having just his fourth career start, and one which suggested Free Eagle would have little difficulty winning a Group 1.

The fact that regular classic winning jockey Pat Smullen rates him one of the best he has ridden and is convinced he will come into his own as a four-year-old speaks volumes and, with underfoot conditions ideal, Free Eagle holds outstanding claims of securing a first success at the highest level.

The Grey Gatsby has not been at his best in two starts this season, but had some top class form last year and looks a big player of the fitting of cheekpieces for the first time have the desired effect.