Royal Ascot: 5 things we learned on day one

No crowds, but Frankie factor still in effect.

On day one of Royal Ascot 2020, we look back at five things we learned from the opening exchanges:

No crowds? No problem!

Empty stands are the new normal on racecourses
Empty stands are the new normal on racecourses (Julian Finney/PA)

Frankie Dettori may have admitted to needing a caffeine kick to initially get going at a crowdless Royal Ascot, but some thrilling finishes proved you do not need the masses to produce top-class action. Racing is still adjusting to the new normal of coronavirus protocols and while things may have been different on the stands, it was business as usual on the track and for viewers at home. Racing has certainly shown it is an ideal sport for TV-only viewing.

Third time’s a charm

Battaash has hit the bar twice, but finally came good in the King's Stand
Battaash has hit the bar twice, but finally came good in the King’s Stand (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Behind closed doors racing clearly suits Battaash, who finally bagged a King’s Stand Stakes win at the third time of asking. The absence of Blue Point, his conqueror in the last two years, was clearly a help, but Battaash kept his cool in the preliminaries and channelled his energy into the race to great effect. He will take some catching this summer.

Fairytales do happen…sometimes

Pyledriver could be a Derby contender
Pyledriver could be a Derby contender (Edward Whitaker/PA)

You would not get too many live Derby contenders that were bought in for 10,000 guineas, but trainer William Muir could have a proper Epsom type on his hands in King Edward VII Stakes winner Pyledriver. He put 3.4million guineas purchase Mogul to the sword in the ‘Ascot Derby’ to stake a real claim for the main event next month. Although Muir was in no hurry to commit to Epsom in the aftermath, Pyledriver would certainly have his supporters if he lines up next month.

Love match

Frankly Darling was a cosy Ribblesdale Stakes winner
Frankly Darling was a cosy Ribblesdale Stakes winner (Edward Whitaker/PA)

Frankly Darling laid down a marker as the most likely challenger to 1000 Guineas victor Love in the Investec Oaks with an eyecatching length-and-three-quarter win in the Ribblesdale Stakes. It looked as though she could have won by further, particularly given she was a bit keen through the early stages, and Aidan O’Brien might not yet have the Epsom Classic all his own way.

Crowley for the crown?

Jim Crowley was on fire on day one
Jim Crowley was on fire on day one (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

All the pre-Ascot talk was of who would be crowed top jockey, Ryan Moore or Frankie Dettori. However, Jim Crowley has put himself firmly in the mix with an opening day hat-trick highlighted by Battaash. Add in Motakhayyel’s win in the opener and Nazeef in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes and it was a very good day at the office indeed. With the likes of Elarqam, Molaatham and Regal Reality later in the week, Crowley could be a dark horse.

Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Royal Ascot Festival

Latest