Royal Ascot 2016: Awtaad the answer to St James’s Palace Stakes

The Gurkha feared most

Galileo Gold was impressive when scooting to classic glory at Newmarket, but was beaten fair and square by Awtaad at the Curragh and would prefer quicker ground.

It’s hard to see him turning the tables with Awtaad, and The Gurkha looks to be the main danger to the selection.

Trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, who saddled saddled Gleneagles to win the race 12 months ago, and The Gurkha justified the decision to supplement him for the French 2,000 Guineas when storming away with the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Deauville last month.

An impressive winner of a Navan maiden just four weeks earlier after being well beaten into third on debut, the son of Galileo continued his dramatic progress by totally destroying the opposition to score by 5 1/2 lengths.

Potential to be something special

It was arguably one of the most impressive performances by a three-year-old in Europe this season, and connections decide to bypass the Investec Derby to save him for the race.

Judge on the manner of that success the three-year-old could be something very special, and The Gurkha remains open to stacks more progress.

The three-year-old also won’t mind the rain that has hit the Berkshire venue as both his wins have come on soft/heavy ground, and with Ryan Moore in the saddle The Gurkha looks sure to give Awtaad plenty to think about.

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Coral’s top tip: Awtaad has done nothing but impress this season and looks worth a wager to get the better of The Gurkha in a fantastic renewal of the St James’s Palace Stakes.