Prince Of Wales’s Stakes
Group 1, Ascot 16:20 £1,000,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 1f 212y, Class 1
Tweet Wednesday 17th June 2026

The Prince of Wales’s Stakes stands as one of the centrepieces of Royal Ascot, and the 2026 renewal has the look of a vintage edition, bringing together an international cast of proven Group performers and upwardly mobile contenders.

What a star! 🤩

Calandagan mows them down in the Dubai Sheema Classic! 🏆@GraffardRacing | @AgaKhanStuds pic.twitter.com/Hr687V8YX5

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 28, 2026

At the head of the market is Calandagan, whose progressive profile and proven effectiveness at the highest level make him a natural focal point. His ability to travel strongly and quicken off a solid pace is ideally suited to Ascot’s ten furlongs, and he sets a demanding standard for the rest to match.

Close behind is Ombudsman, a horse who has steadily built a compelling body of work and whose consistency at this level makes him a formidable rival. His proven course-and-distance form is a significant asset, particularly in a race where tactical awareness is crucial.

The international challenge is led by Forever Young, whose reputation continues to grow. His blend of class and stamina marks him down as a major contender, and if reproducing his best form, he brings a different dimension to the race.

From the same French operation as the favourite, Daryz adds further strength in depth, while Sosie and Cualificar ensure that the continental challenge is both varied and dangerous. Each arrives with a profile suggesting they are capable of competing at this level, particularly if the race unfolds to suit their strengths.

The Gosden yard is well represented by Damysus, Devil’s Advocate and Ombudsman, with Damysus in particular shaping as a progressive type who could yet take another step forward. His ability to see out his races strongly could prove decisive in a truly-run contest.

From Ballydoyle, Lambourn, The Lion In Winter, Mississippi River and Expanded bring further depth, while Minnie Hauk adds interest among the fillies, her form suggesting she is not far off the top level and capable of improving again.

Elsewhere, Kalpana and See The Fire represent strong claims among the mares, both having shown high-class form and the ability to compete against top-level opposition. Almaqam, Bay City Roller and Saddadd add further intrigue as progressive types stepping into elite company, while Royal Rhyme, Green Impact and Cercene offer solid, if slightly more exposed, profiles.

The Japanese challenge is further strengthened by Shin Emperor and T O Password, both capable of producing high-quality performances, while Dancing Gemini and Sosie complete a field that is rich in both depth and diversity.

Tactically, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes often develops into a steadily-run affair before quickening markedly in the straight. Ascot’s long, galloping track places the emphasis on positioning and the ability to deliver a sustained turn of foot, with those able to travel comfortably before quickening often holding the advantage.

In that context, the balance between class, tactical speed and race fitness becomes crucial. Calandagan may set the standard, but Ombudsman, Forever Young and Daryz are among those capable of mounting serious challenges, while a host of others wait to capitalise on any misstep.

As ever, this is a race that not only crowns one of the leading middle-distance performers of the season, but also shapes the narrative for the major international contests that follow.

Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1)
£1,000,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 1m 1f 212y, Class 1
24 entries
Going:

THE PRINCE OF WALES’S STAKES
Past Results