The G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (2005m) is set to be the highlight of the second day at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, June 19, as top miler Inspiral goes head-to-head with dual Classic winner Auguste Rodin. This is a Breeders' Cup Challenge series event which has direct entry to the Longines Turf. 

Originally the favorite for Tuesday's G1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m), Inspiral was withdrawn and will now compete at 2000m for just the second time. Her first effort at this distance was a triumph in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita last November, under the guidance of trainers John and Thady Gosden.

Chris Richardson, representing Inspiral’s owner Cheveley Park Stud, remarked, “We learned in California last year that she needed every yard of 2000 meters. After her return race over 1600m at Newbury last month, where she was slowly away and appeared to need more distance, we’ve been eager to step her up in trip again. The Gosdens believe this could unlock many more opportunities for her.”

Inspiral has an impressive record, having secured six Group 1 victories across Britain, France, and the USA. Her win at Santa Anita was on firm ground, and her supporters hope she can replicate that form over the longer distance, leaving behind the disappointment of her recent G1 Lockinge Stakes (1600m) defeat at Newbury.

Facing her is Auguste Rodin, a colt with five Group 1 wins in Britain, Ireland, and the USA, including the English and Irish Derbies and the Breeders’ Cup Turf over 2400m. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, he is the favorite for this race, having also won the G1 Irish Champion Stakes (2000m) last September.

However, Auguste Rodin has something to prove after finishing last in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) in March and then losing to White Birch in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2100m) at the Curragh last month. O’Brien noted, “He ran a very good race despite the ground conditions not being ideal. He’s on his way back and should be fine.”

Four French contenders are also in the mix, with Horizon Dore, trained by Patrice Cottier, leading the charge. The four-year-old finished third in the G1 Champion Stakes over this course and distance last October and was narrowly defeated in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan (1850m) last month.

Pauline Chehboub, Horizon Dore’s spokesperson, commented, “He showed his true form today. We’re considering the Prince of Wales's Stakes next, and hopefully, he’ll get a proper pace to run at in Britain.”

Ground conditions could pose a challenge for Horizon Dore, who favors soft going, which is unlikely at Ascot on Wednesday.

Another French contender, Blue Rose Cen, has won four Group 1 races in France at distances up to 2100m. She finished behind Horizon Dore in the Prix d’Ispahan but that was under a new trainer following a long break.