Integral’s Stablemate To Claim Bragging Rights In Duke Of Cambridge Stakes

Day two’s cast at Royal Ascot consists of a number of equines stars, including last year’s winner of the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes, Integral (6/5) – who returns to try and win the race for a second year.

Integral To The Double
Sir Michael Stoute’s 5yo mare was an impressive 2l winner of the race 12 months ago, but subsequently moved up another gear in landing a couple of Group 1’s over 1m at Newmarket. Integral was then pitched in against males for her reappearance in the Group 1 Lockinge at Newbury last month, when a creditable fourth, beaten just over 1l.

Although favourite that day, she was entitled to need the outing in such a demanding race Group 1 with 16 runners, and the fact she takes on her own sex here should make this assignment easier.

Integral is also officially rated 107 or more, which has proven a vital component in past years…

Trends Summary
Of the last 10 Duke of Cambridge winners…

10 were British or Irish-bred
10 ran 11-45 days ago
9 returned 12/1 or shorter – others were only 1-56
9 raced at Ascot previously
9 won 36% or more of their career runs
8 were 4yo’s
8 were officially rated 107 or more
Sir M Stoute won it three times, J Gosden & J Fanshawe twice

Euro Could Profit
The above stats also highlight the good record of 4yo’s in the race, which may explain the interest in Euro Charline (9/2), fifth in last year’s 1,000 Guineas, prior to crossing the Atlantic to win a Grade 1 in August (1m1f, firm). She was then absent until fifth in a Dubai Group 1 back in March (Cladocera 1/2l back in sixth), and while she has the class, her form and fitness raise question marks.

The same can be said of Rizeena (7/1), winner of the Group 1 Coronation Stakes here 12 months ago (1m, good to firm), before beaten 2l by Integral a month later. She almost bagged another Group 1 in Ireland in September, before being absent until last month when well beaten. Again, she has ability, but has a bit to prove on recent form.

French Challenge
The “lack of recent form” theme continues with the French filly, Cladocera (7/1), a dual Group 2 winner in Dubai during the winter, who failed to sparkle behind Euro Charline in March. Considering this will be her first Group 1 experience after 81 days off, Cladocera will need to be special to land this.

Don’t Forget Bragging
Integral’s stablemate, Bragging, looks a lively each-way shot at 8/1, as she improved through the handicap ranks last year into winning a Group 2 at Newmarket last month (1m1f, good to firm). Although well beaten in an Oaks Trial at York subsequently (1m2.5f, good), Bragging clearly failed to stay the trip and will like this return to 1m.

Recommended Bets

Integral is respected in her bid to follow-up last year’s win in this, but stablemate, Bragging, will find this return to a mile ideal and has enough improvement in her to represent each-way appeal under Pat Smullen.

*Prices correct at time of publication.