Araafa the Palace ace for Noseda

ARAAFA justified Jeremy Noseda’s high opinion of him with a foot-perfect display in the St James’s Palace Stakes on the opening afternoon of Royal Ascot yesterday.

Newmarket-based Noseda felt his charge had not received the credit he deserved after the colt lowered the colours of George Washington in the Irish 2000 Guineas a little over three weeks ago.

But with that rival absent due to a muscle problem, there can be no doubt over the true star of the show in the mile contest for three-year-olds, as the 2-1 favourite put up a display worthy of any Royal winner.