Despite his name, luck didn’t really quite fall Opportunity’s way last year, when he proved to be a talented but physically immature racehorse. However, in 2026 he has begun to repay the patience shown by trainer William Haggas, who decided to give him a long break after a disappointing run at Royal Ascot last year. Opportunity won very comfortably on his most recent start, and comes from a family full of top-class horses. He can continue his progress today in the handicap for older middle-distance runners which honours Queen Elizabeth II’s consort.

He is joined in the race by a new member of the Wathnan team, Hopewell Rock, who ran in the colours of the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. Trained by George Boughey in Newmarket, Hopewell Rock was unbeaten in two starts as a two-year-old and the Derby was his owner-breeder’s dream for him. He didn’t manage to win at three in 2025, but kept on well to finish third in a competitive handicap at Newmarket on his first run since, and can be expected to show improved form here.