2017 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes Ante-Post Betting Preview

We have just launched our ante-post market, for the 2017 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Ascot). Which horses are attracting the most bets?

Qemah (IRE)

Age: 4 (Foaled February 19th, 2013)

Sex: Bay Filly

Breeding: Danehill Dancer (IRE) – Kartica (Rainbow Quest (USA))

Trainer: J C Rouget

Owner: Al Shaqab Racing

She won last season’s Coronation Stakes, beating Nemoralia by just under 2 lengths, with Jet Setting and Nathra well-beaten on the day. Also victorious in the G1 Rothschild Stakes at Deauville, although had no real excuses (other than rustiness) when bested by Mix And Mingle in the Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes on her seasonal reappearance at Lingfield.

Somehow (IRE)

Age: 4 (Foaled April 6th, 2013)

Sex: Bay Filly

Breeding: Fastnet Rock (AUS) – Alexandrova (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA))

Trainer: A P O’Brien

Owner: Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier

Fully justified status as favourite, when far too good for the rest of the field in the Dahlia Stakes. 4th in a strong renewal of the Lockinge Stakes and was somewhat unfortunate when runner-up in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, as she found herself short of room at the business-end of proceedings. Trainer, Aidan O’Brien, is in ominous form too and she will surely go very close with a run.

Persuasive (IRE)

Age: 4 (Foaled March 16th, 2013)

Sex: Grey Filly

Breeding: Dark Angel (IRE) – Choose Me (IRE) (Choisir (AUS))

Trainer: J H M Gosden

Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

John Gosden’s grey has yet to run in 2017, but finished the previous campaign with an almost-perfect record. Wins in good handicaps were augmented by victory in the Atalanta Fillies’ Stakes and she separated Alice Springs and Qemah, when runner-up in the Fastnet Rock Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September. Has she continued to progress, over the Winter?

Others in with a shout include Smart Call, Nezwaah and Sir Michael Stoute’s Intimation.

Race History

The contest was only introduced in 2004, but already boasts a number of famous winners. Favourable Terms, Peeress, Soviet Song, Nannina, Integral and Amazing Maria have all landed the spoils along with last year’s champion Usherette.

It was originally known as the Windsor Forest Stakes and the name change came in 2013 to honour Prince William. Sir Michael Stoute has enjoyed considerable success and is the leading trainer with 4 wins.

This is a very-important race, with a purse of £175,000 – putting in the top-bracket of G2 contests for older horses. Make sure you don’t miss the Duke of Cambridge Stakes, at Ascot, later this month!