FIRST LADY
American superstar Aurelia and Dettori ready to reign in King’s Stand
LADY AURELIA (nap) is an American dream for punters in the King’s Stand Stakes (3.40, ITV) as Royal Ascot 2017 roars into action today.
Wesley Ward’s trans-Atlantic raider scorched the royal turf to lift the Queen Mary Stakes by seven lengths 12 months ago, leaving jockey Frankie Dettori speechless.
And the California trainer was left purring after Lady Aurelia, a comeback winner at Keeneland in April, galloped at Ascot last week.
“She just pricked her ears in the air and sailed on home,” said Ward. “She’s going to be up for the task.”
LADY AURELIA carries plenty of stable confidence as she seeks back-to-back Royal Ascot successes.
Twelve months ago, Wesley Ward made no secret of the fact he thought she would win the Queen Mary Stakes – and how right he was.
In front from the start under Frankie Dettori, the 2-1 favourite had her 16 rivals toiling at the halfway stage.
But those who thought the American challenger had done too much, too early were in for a shock as she powered further clear to win by seven lengths.
Having followed up in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville in August, Lady Aurelia was found to have burst a blood vessel after running out of gas in the six-furlong Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket the following month.
But she was back on song for her return to the fray in the Listed Giant’s Causeway Stakes at Keeneland in April, scoring by a cosy two and a half lengths.
Ward says Lady Aurelia is “all aces” for her toughest test after a taking Ascot workout last Wednesday – and those are the words her rivals should fear. Marsha carried a Group 1 penalty to victory when Washington DC beating in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket last month and is clearly still on the up, while past Profitable winners and Goldream also warrant a second glance.