Highland Princess could return to Royal Ascot
- Jonathan Doidge
- 11 May 2022
Highland Princess could be bound for a return to Royal Ascot and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes next month, after routing the field in the Group 2 Clipper Logistics Stakes at York on Tuesday May 11.
Late money appeared to exude an air of confidence in the chance of the John Quinn-trained Highfield Princess in the Group 2 Clipper Logistics Stakes. She duly obliged in impressive fashion and could be Royal Ascot bound.
It was a case of the 7f specialist beating the 6f specialists at their own game, prompting thoughts of a a tilt at the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, over the stiff 6f at the Berkshire track. She received general quotes of 14/1 from 50s in the wake of the contest.
In the build-up, she looked likely to be tapped for toe but that was some ride by Scotsman Jason Hart, who took it on from the front and used her proven stamina to great effect.
"I don't know what the hell the boss does but he just seems to get horses to progress throughout their career. He's made her quicker, I don't understand it.
"I got her in a lovely rhythm. At half way she lit up underneath me and I just had to let her do that. When I pressed the button I couldn't believe how well I quickened up and put the race to bed."
Quinn is away at the sales in France but given the way his mare won this, the Yorkshire-based Irishman would surely fancy a tilt at the big prize and she'd certainly be worth her place in the field on this evidence.
Taking control from the outset, she rolled a little to the right and then back across to the left down the Knavesmire straight but at no point did it affect her momentum, and she was always holding the second-placed runner Skycatcher to claim the first prize of over £79,000.
