Del Maro
Del Maro did remarkably well to get as close as he got to Limestone in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot on Wednesday. Shuffled back in the field on the run to the first turn, he was further back than ideal as a consequence all the way through the race. Still 10th of the 11 runners as they started to turn for home, he travelled nicely into the home straight, and he picked up well towards the far side when William Buick asked him for his effort. Switched towards the inside rail in order to get clear sailing, he stayed on strongly all the way to the line, failing by just a nose to catch Limestone.
The early pace in this year's Queen's Vase was not fast. Ranga Tang, who led from early and who raced keenly in front, was able to keep on well enough to retain third place, and the winner's finishing speed was over 107% of overall speed according to RaceiQ. Del Maro did well to get as close as he did, coming from as far back as he did. He was fastest of all through the final three furlongs and through the final furlong.
Third behind Pierre Bonnard and Endorsement in the Group 3 Zetland Stakes over 10 furlongs on his final run at two, Charlie Appleby's horse beat Point Of Law in a novice stakes at Yarmouth in April on his debut this season, and he went down by just a nose in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood last month. This was a step up on that, stepping up to a mile and six furlongs for the first time, the longest trip over which he had ever raced. He is really well bred, by Camelot out of the German Oaks winner Diamanta. He shapes as though he could improve again for an even greater stamina test and, as such, he has to be a real live St Leger prospect now. The stamina test that the St Leger presents could suit him well, 14 and a half furlongs at Doncaster, up Doncaster's long home straight, where they usually get racing from early.
Ascot, 17th June 2026
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