Royal Ascot Preview

The primary aim of a bloodstock agent is to find a racehorse that has the potential to win on those big race days.  Looking forward to Royal Ascot, we are delighted for the connections of the Avenue Bloodstock purchases that are entered there, all four are conditioned by Classic-winning trainer Hugo Palmer.

The Rosstifarian (2018 C by Starspangledbanner o/o Via Lattea by Teofilo) is being aimed at The Hampton Court S (G3) on Thursday.  Purchased at the Arqana Deauville August Sale for €57,000 from Haras du Mezeray, he won impressively on debut at two and followed up that performance picking up some Black type in a Listed race at Pontefract.  He took a big step up in class to Group races this year and has put in a solid performance in both of this starts in 2021.  He is from the family of Classic winner SOLDIER OF FORTUNE and owned by Middleham Park Racing, they are a very enthusiastic, successful team.

Later on Thursday, MILITARY MISSION (2018 g by Mastercraftsman o/o Atlantic Isle by Tamayuz) will line up for The King George V Stakes (Handicap) over 1m4f.  A private purchase on behalf of Hugo Palmer, he has since been sold to McKeever Bloodstock for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for £170,000 at The Goffs London Sale.  A very consistent performer, he has won or placed in every start bar one.  A fast-finishing runner-up at Chester last time, he won his previous start at Salisbury by an impressive eight-and-a-half lengths.  From the family of Champion mare ONE SO WONDERFUL and Group winners SUN BOAT, FOUR WHITE SOCKS, RELATIVELY SPECIAL, BEST DATING, etc.

GLESGA GAL (2018 f by Lope de Vega o/o Crystany by Green Desert) is heading to The Sandringham Handicap on the penultimate day of Royal Ascot.  Purchased from Ballygallon Stud at The 2019 Goffs’ Orby Sale for €120,000, this flashy filly has won her last two starts including a commanding three-and-three-quarter length victory in a 7f Handicap on her last start.  A beautifully-bred filly, she is out of the Listed-placed winner Crystany and a half-sister to Viviante, from the family of G1 winner CRYSTAL MUSIC.  She is owned by Next Wave Racing, Ed Tynan (previous part-owner of COVERT LOVE) and Ed Babington.

IRISH LEGEND (2018 c by Sea The Stars o/o Stealth Missile by Invincible Spirit) is heading to The Golden Gate Handicap on the final day of Royal Ascot.  A private purchase, IRISH LEGEND is a close relation to top-class filly COVERT LOVE.  Winner of three of his four starts including his last start, a competitive handicap over 1m2f at Newcastle, he is in great form and could cap off a great week for trainer Hugo Palmer.  He is owned by Boniface Ho Ka Kui, new to the European racing scene, he is a leading owner in Hong Kong and Australia, owner of The Everest winner CLASSIQUE LEGEND and multiple G1 winner SOUTHERN LEGEND, this is his first Royal Ascot runner.

We would like to wish all connections the best of luck with their runners and will be cheering them all home.

Photos: Hugo Palmer Racing