Royal Ascot 2011 - Goldikova v Canford Cliff at Queen Anne Stakes, International Raiders ignite
Last year’s Cartier Horse of the Year, Goldikova, is ready to take on Canford Cliff, who won the English Grade One JLT Lockinge Stakes, on 14 May.
The clash has been much anticipated and it’s going to happen on the biggest stage of horse racing in the United Kingdom, the Royal Ascot festival. The news was confirmed when the two horses entered the Grade One Queen Anne Stakes much earlier than expected.
The Royal Ascot starts from 14 June to 18 June, and is filled with exciting races.
Canford Cliff coming in to the Royal Ascot with massive victories under his belt, the French legend looks in good shape and is up for the competition with Goldikova.
Trainer, Richard Hannon, said he would relish the challenge against Goldikova and would love to wrap up the Queen Anne Stakes. Canford Cliff will be accompanied by stable-mate, d**k Turpin, who is also trained by Richard Hannon.
The Royal Ascot is a great stage for both of these champion horses to meet and ignite the race course with their brilliant runs. This would surely be the favourite among the fans, as it’s been anxiously awaited for quite some time now.
On the other hand, Goldikova the six year old bay filly, who has been shining with trophies, and, victories, winning the Breeders’ Cup mile and thirteen Grade One Stakes looks set to take on Canford Cliff. She will enter the race with her stable mate/pacemaker
Flash Dance.
Goldikova also snatched last year’s Queen Anne Stakes, but the competition this time around looks stiffer with Canford Cliff on one side and top notch International raiders lining up on the other. She has seen it before and done it on various occasions,
what’s left to see is whether Canford Cliff has enough to challenge the champion filly.
Talking about International raiders, it’s highly likely the odds wouldn’t matter in this year’s Royal Ascot. Quite a few extraordinary horses are in the race from all around the world, America, Australia, Hong Kong and Japan etc.
Horses such as, Star Witness, are expected to turn the race on its head if he runs close to the way his father Scenic Blast did back in the day. Japanese colt, Grand Prix Boss, is also in the run and a Grade One champion in the Japanese horse racing scene.
The new additions add challenges galore and this might be the turning point of the 300 year old race event.
Among other horses, who are expected to win, are Cape Blanco, trained by champion Irish trainer, Aidan O’ Brien, Ransom Note, and, Cityscape.
Goldikova and Canford Cliff placed at nearly even odds 11/10 to Canford Cliff and Goldikova at 6/5.
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