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Royal Ascot Day 2: All the Latest news

Day Two of the Royal Meeting promises top-notch racing with the Prince of Wales's Stakes as the highlight. The day features four Group races and the thrilling Royal Hunt Cup.

Starting the day is the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes (2:30pm) with 26 two-year-old fillies competing over the shortest distance. Make Haste, trained by Diego Dias in his second year of training, leads the market after an impressive debut win at Naas. Karl Burke, who trained last year's favorite, has Leovanni, purchased for £190,000, who made a strong debut at Nottingham. Aidan O'Brien aims for his first Queen Mary win with Truly Enchanting, fresh off a win at Tipperary. Notable mentions include Miss Rascal, Xanthe, and Enchanting Empress, all of whom have Ascot wins, and Wesley Ward's Ultima Grace, who won her debut at Keeneland.

Next is the Group 2 Queen's Vase (3:05pm) over a mile and three quarters. Aidan O'Brien has dominated this race with five wins in 11 years. Ryan Moore rides Illinois, who impressed with a second place in the Lingfield Derby Trial. Highbury, coming off a maiden win, and Birdman, unbeaten in two starts, are strong contenders. Meydaan, winner of the Cocked Hat Stakes, also stands out but trails Illinois based on their Lingfield form.

The Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (3:45pm) features Laurel, the favorite, making her first start in over a year. Despite a disappointing run in the Lockinge Stakes in 2023, she has shown high potential. Rogue Millennium, last year's winner, and Gregarina, a Group 3 winner, are notable competitors. Doom, trained by William Haggas, could be an interesting outsider.

The day's main event, the Prince of Wales's Stakes (4:25pm), focuses on Auguste Rodin and Inspiral. Auguste Rodin had a stellar season last year but has had mixed results recently. Inspiral, successful at 10 furlongs, is a strong contender. Alflaila, Horizon Dore, and Blue Rose Cen also present significant challenges in this open race. This is a Breeders' Cup Challenge series event. 

The Royal Hunt Cup (5:05pm) features 30 runners in a tough handicap race. Last year's winner, Sonny Liston, returns in good form. Wathnan Racing's Beshtani and Real Gain are strong contenders, and Wild Tiger, despite limited runs, shows promise. Coeur D'Or and Tempus also add intrigue to the field.

The Kensington Palace Stakes (5:40pm) includes 25 runners. Godolphin's Summer Of Love enters handicaps after two polytrack wins. Elim and Doha are improving contenders, while Cell Sa Beela could surprise after a disappointing reappearance.

The Windsor Castle Stakes (6:15pm) closes the day, a Listed race for two-year-olds over five furlongs. Aidan O'Brien's Treasure Isle and Celtic Chieftain lead the market, with Ryan Moore choosing the latter. Shadow Army, Gabaldon, and Pont Neuf, the only unbeaten horse in the race, are also notable contenders. 

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