WEDNESDAY 2.30pm
G2 Queen Mary Stakes
5f
WILD BLOSSOM
10th
ALTA REGINA
6th
What the jockeys said
Race report
THE race for the best precocious fillies, won a couple of years ago by our Leovanni from the Karl Burke yard. He saddled Wild Blossom for us, although her low draw dimmed her chances in the eyes of many. She ran with promise, beaten only 4.5 lengths by the winner, who was drawn near her on the far side, and third of those in her group. Alta Regina fared well on the nearside, fourth in that group at the line and a length in front of Wild Blossom overall. Both fillies were a little rushed off their feet in this speed test and will perhaps excel on less zippy ground.
FULL RACE REPLAY
Preview
For more than 100 years, the Queen Mary Stakes has been the proving ground for the fleetest of fast fillies. This is the race won in 2024 by Leovanni and, the previous year, by Crimson Advocate who was subsequently purchased by Wathnan.
They will become important broodmares for the team, following in the notable tradition of Queen Mary fillies. The third winner of the race, back in 1923, was Mumtaz Mahal, one of the most influential matriarchs of the thoroughbred breed. She is the cornerstone of the Aga Khan studs.
A celebrated roll of honour also includes Sun Chariot, Marling, the ‘pocket rocket’ Lyric Fantasy, Attraction and, more recently, American raiders Lady Aurelia and Campanelle, who both went on to become dual winners at Royal Ascot – as indeed did Crimson Advocate.
Wathnan has two chances to regain the trophy. Karl Burke is exuding confidence about recent 10-length winning debutante Wild Blossom. She was stunning that day. Alta Regina bounded clear in her Lingfield unveiling for Hamad Al-Jehani and is plainly smart.
What Hamad Al-Jehani’s learned about Alta Regina
Win the Queen Mary Stakes and a filly is famous forever. Could that be the destiny of one of the Wathnan two-year-olds at Royal Ascot today?
“I rate her better than Leovanni at the same stage.”
Wild Blossom’s trainer Karl Burke
Alta Regina
