Dubai: Godolphin speedsters Blue Point and Harry Angel will hope to end unbeaten Irish star Caravaggio’s unbeaten run when they clash in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, one of the most eagerly anticipated contests at Royal Ascot this week.
The Charlie Appleby-trained Blue Point aim for a second consecutive course and distance win after shattering the course record with a sizzling display in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes on May 3.
New recruit Harry Angel was second behind Blue Point on the day but the Clive Coz-trained son of Dark Angel subsequently powered to a decisive 4 1/2-length success in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes, also over six furlongs at Haydock.
There is a big field to consider but Caravaggio, who has won five out of five, looks the one they will have to beat. Aidan O’Brien’s star sprinter has shown that he can win on any ground and already has a Royal Ascot victory in kitty, following his Coventry Stakes success last season.
However, both Appleby and Cox, believe that their contenders will run well.
“We have been very happy with Blue Point since he won the Pavilion Stakes and have been looking forward to this race,” said Appleby.
“His preparation has been great and he has conditions to suit. He holds the track record and it should be a good burn up.”
Cox commented: “I have been thrilled with the progress that Harry Angel has shown so far and couldn’t be more pleased with the way he looks at the moment.
“I think that he is still not quite the finished article mentally but he has certainly gone the right way and I believe that we can chisel a really fine edge on him with experience.
“We are very relaxed regarding the ground and it is great to be going to Royal Ascot in good form. He is giving me all the right impressions about his confidence.”
The inaugural running of the Commonwealth Cup in 2015 marked the first Group 1 sprint contest in Europe confined to three-year-olds.
It was also the first new race in the 44-year history of the European Pattern to go straight in with G1 status, rather than with a probationary period at a lower level.
