The Royal Ascot Carnival holds a revered place in the world of horse racing, admired by Europe’s leading trainers and eagerly anticipated by international participants. It serves as a prestigious platform where top-tier horses and talents converge.
It is an exciting week for OTI and our owners. After Docklands contests the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes on Tuesday (read our Docklands article here), we look towards Friday, when the promising Joseph O’Brien trained Deakin is expected to line up in the 2400m Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.
Deakin impressed when returning at the Curragh on May 25th, finishing 2nd by half a length having led throughout over 2000m in what looks to be a strong-form race. Timeform’s review of the race stated, “It’s hard to take anything but a positive view of the trio that came to the fore, the progressive winner a course specialist and running down a pair of unexposed 4-y-os that are likely to remain of as just as much interest going forward”. Deakin looks set to line up against eventual winner Crystal Black on Friday, whilst Saturn, who finished in third, took out the €50,000 Race To The Ebor Handicap at the Curragh on June 5th. His connections have declared him an Ebor hope later this season.
Deakin finished 2nd at the Curragh on May 25, 2024
Joseph O’Brien has reported Deakin is in great order thanks to a faultless preparation. He has surprised Joseph with some extra pace this season, which is a key reason he lines up in the 2400m contest on Friday rather than alternative, longer versions
See all nominations for the race here. Acceptances and jockeys will released later tonight.
Deakin is scheduled to come to Australia after his Royal Ascot tilt with the spring features not out of the question.
Good luck to all involved!