Timeform Daily: Prince of Wales's Stake (Group 1), Royal Ascot, Wednesday June 17, 3.45

Royal Ascot / Timeform / 16 June 2009 / Leave a Comment

Sir Michael Stoute has few peers with older horses and last year's Derby runner-up Tartan Bearer is the one to beat here. He showed a tremendous attitude to score on his reappearance and everything looks right for a big run here. Classy French raider Vision d'Etat looks the best of the rest, while Twice Over has win and place claims.

Estejo is a German raider who won an Italian Group 1 in November. He put in a fair effort there last month but his form is some way short of what will be required in this race.

Never On Sunday has won seven of his ten starts and registered his first Group 1 success in the Prix d'Ispahan last month. His profile is one of steady improvement but this will be the quickest ground he has faced unless the rain arrives.

Tartan Bearer (pictured alongside New Approach) was last year's Dante winner and was clear of the rest when second to New Approach in the Derby. He dug deep to land a Group 3 on his reappearance and is possibly capable of further improvement. He has leading claims here.

Tazeez progressed last season, winning the Cambridgeshire on his final start. He put in a striking performance in a Group 3 on reappearance but was well held on his first foray into this company last time.

Trincot was acquired by Godolphin after landing a Group 2 in April and ran well in Group1 company in Italy last time. He will need to improve again to trouble some of these, though.

Twice Over did little wrong in 2008, landing the Craven Stakes and a Group 2 in France. He was behind Tazeez on his reappearance but produced a better effort in the Lockinge last time. He handles the ground and has place claims.

Virtual was very progressive last term, graduating from handicaps to land listed races in France and at Newmarket. He appreciated the rain prior to winning the Lockinge but has trip and ground concerns here.

Vision D'Etat is a high-class performer who won his first six starts (including French Derby) and was back to winning ways in the Prix Ganay last time. Another prominent display looks on the cards.