Queen Elizabeth II eyes Gold Cup defence at Royal Ascot

Omnisports Pulse

June 18, 2014 12:02 AM

Ladies Day at Royal Ascot belonged to one woman in particular last year as Estimate - owned by Queen Elizabeth II - won the Gold Cup.

The young filly - now a mare - came from the outside to power past leader Simenon and become the first female horse since 1991 to win the famous race - also the first time a reigning monarch had come out on top.

The then four-year-old posted the Queen's 22nd Ascot win, having previously emerged victorious in the Queen"s Vase 12 months earlier.

However, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Estimate could well face an uphill task to hang onto her title in Britain's premier endurance race, with Leading Light tipped to outshine the rest of the field this time around (16.25 local time).

Estimate has been limited to just one run-out since her crowning moment last June due to a muscle injury, turning in a disappointing performance on Champions Day in October.

"She's not been straightforward," said Stoute. "She's had a muscle problem in her right hind (leg), and that's why she hasn't had a prep run.

"She's made some progress in the last month. The Gold Cup's a tough assignment this year, but I expect her to run very well."

Last year's St Leger winner Leading Light is currently bookmakers' favourite to take the plaudits in the winner's circle on Thursday, and jockey Joseph O'Brien is confident of crossing the line first.

"He's a Classic winner who has been beaten only once since October 2012 and that was in the Arc last year, so his record speaks for itself," he told TheRacing Post.

Football fans may be tempted to place a bet on second favourite Brown Panther ahead of England's FIFA World Cup clash with Uruguay - the six-year-old is owned by former international striker Michael Owen.

Elsewhere on day three of the festival, Vazira and The Great War are fancied in the Ribblesdale (15.45) and Norfolk Stakes (14.30) respectively, while Stoute's Cannock Chase leads the betting in the Tercentenary Stakes (15.05).

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