Royal Ascot Diamond Jubilee Stakes Ante-Post Preview

The Diamond Jubilee Stakes, formerly known as the Cork And Orrery, was elevated to Group 1 status in 2002 and attracts sprinting stars from across the world. Last year, the race was won in thrilling circumstances by Australia’s Black Caviar.

It is not unusual for horses that contested the five-furlong King’s Stand Stakes earlier in the week to turn out again here. Only Choisir (2003) has so far managed to complete the big-race double.

South Africa’s Shea Shea was ante-post favourite for both events but trainer Mike de Kock has warned that his Meydan winner is unlikely to be asked to run again here. A reshuffled market has 2011 winner Society Rock as the new favourite following his success in the Duke Of York Stakes.

Trainer James Fanshawe was seething last year when Society Rock missed the break and still finished only two lengths behind the favourite. The son of Rock Of Gibraltar has not repeated that trait in his recent races and looks sure to play a leading role.

It was Lethal Force that gave Society Rock most to do at York, producing a career-best effort for Clive Cox in second place. If he can reproduce that form he will also be in the shake up.

Other York victims included Gordon Lord Byron who was staying on into third and Hawkeyethenoo (4th). Jim Goldie’s seven-year-old is holding his own in group company this season and would certainly have finished closer if he had been able to obtain a clear run.

Australian sprinters are always worthy of a second look in the sprint races and they could be doubly represented by Sea Siren and Shamexpress. The latter will contest the King’s Stand before any decision is taken about this race whilst Sea Siren has been competing against the best back home.

She was beaten six lengths by Black Caviar in April but showed signs of a return to form when second at Doomben last month. Dandy Boy pulled off a 33-1 shock in the Wokingham at this meeting 12 months ago but has done little to suggest that he is capable of repeating the performance this season.