Progressive Tamayuz looks the percentage bet in QEII showdown

WHAT this afternoon’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot lacks in numbers it makes up for in quality as Henrythenavigator represents the Irish and English Guineas form in an intriguing contest with leading French miler Tamayuz and the incredibly consistent and sometimes brilliant Raven’s Pass.

It seems entirely reasonable to assume that the trio will have this race between them as the line-up is completed by a pair of pacemakers, a doubtful stayer and a mare appearing to lack the class to land a blow at this level.

John Gosden was earnest in his recent declaration that his charge, Raven’s Pass, would not be fully tuned up for today’s race. Suggesting that the colt will appear a bit ‘big’, he was clear in his assertion that the horse’s main target for the close of the season is the Breeder’s Cup Mile at Santa Anita next month.