Prince of Wales's Stakes: Cracksman can't be opposed

Whilst its status as the pinnacle of the second day of Royal Ascot is assured, the Prince of Wales's Stakes has developed something of a habit of stealing the headlines for the week, too, with some star-studded renewals in recent years.

This year's race again looks set to have a sprinkle of stardust, as it's due to be the next port of call for Cracksman, Timeform's current joint highest-rated European horse in training alongside Battaash on 136.

With Enable missing due to injury, the son of Frankel has established himself as the clear one to beat in this division, building on last year's breakthrough success in the Champion Stakes at Ascot with back-to-back Group 1 wins at Longchamp and Epsom this term. The most recent of those wins came in the Coronation Cup, and whilst he was made to work hard that day, he faced a well-ridden rival, deserving extra credit for winning despite not looking himself. As such, Cracksman cannot be opposed in this and he is likely to be far shorter than his current price of 5/4 on the day, considering that several of the field aren't expected to take their chance.

A thrilling Investec Coronation Cup with a very much relieved Dettori and Gosden as Cracksman claims victory by a neck!

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Working out the trajectory of the Aidan O'Brien runners can prove to be a tricky task, and most of his remaining entries have several options. Rhododendron would perhaps be the most interesting if taking her chance, having run as well as ever when winning the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury last time out. She could head for the Queen Anne Stakes, though, as could Deauville, whilst Hydrangea, twice a Group 1 winner as a three-year-old, has three entries at the Royal meeting. Idaho disappointed behind Cracksman in the Coronation Cup last time out, and considering that his last venture below Group 1 level at Chester in May was a winning one, he could head to the Hardwicke Stakes instead. Cliffs of Moher is perhaps the most likely to take his chance here, though he would need to step up considerably on his three starts so far this term in order to figure. 

Last year's St Leger runner-up Crystal Ocean is another with multiple entries, but would be the biggest threat on from to Cracksman if taking his chance. The four-year-old has won back-to-back Group 3 contests at Sandown and Newbury this term, but the Hardwicke is another option for both he and stablemate Poet's Word, who ran with credit when stepping up to Group 1 level last term, finising seven lengths behind Cracksman in the Champion Stakes, before returning with a commanding win in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown last month. 

Hawkbill, like Idaho, disappointed behind Cracksman at Epsom last time out, but a enjoyed a fruitful winter campaign in Duabi, signing off with victory in the Group 1 Sheema Classic in March. The 2016 Coral Eclipse winner would carry place claims if arriving here in top form, as would fellow Godolphin runner Benbatl, another who has shown his best form over in Dubai. 

In summary, Cracksman sets a daunting standard in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, and it looks worth taking the 5/4 on offer for him to extend his winning run to six.

Recommendation:

Back Cracksman at 5/4 in the Prince of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday 20 June