Jakajaro
Jakajaro ran a big race to finish fifth in the King Charles II Stakes at Ascot on Tuesday. Smartly away and quickly into his stride, he led from early at a fast pace, and he lasted in front all the way until the final furlong. Even after he was headed by Overpass, he kept on bravely, only wilting close home, going down by a total of just a length and a half in the end.
Jakajaro and Australian raider Overpass, who was sent off as favourite, were the only prominent racers who were involved in the finish. They were first and second from flagfall, and they still occupied those positions passing the furlong marker. They were the only two horses who finished in the first six whose finishing speed dipped below 100% of overall speed, according to RaceiQ. Also, passing the two-furlong marker, the other four horses who, with them, filled the first six places were, respectively, 17th, 12th, 10th and 13th. Overpass was second at that point. Jakajaro was in front.
Jakajaro will be of interest if and when he gets back on a track at which early speed is rewarded better. Winner of a nursery at The Curragh and of a three-year-olds' handicap at The Curragh when he was with David Marnane, his two wins in Britain since he joined Robert Cowell have been at Newmarket and York, tracks at which prominent racers do well. He will be of interest if and when he goes back to one of those tracks, and he will be of interest if he goes to Goodwood for the King George V Stakes, at a track at which he finished third in the Stewards' Cup last year, over six furlongs obviously. Later in the season, he could be an interesting outsider for the Nunthorpe at York in August or the Flying Five at The Curragh in September, if he is targeted at either of those races.
Ascot, 16th June 2026
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