Valencha in Palace
Valencha has been promoted into the starting line-up for the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.
Last Updated: 21/06/12 1:49pm
Valencha has been promoted into the starting line-up for the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot on Friday.
The Hughie Morrison-trained five-year-old had been first reserve for the seven-furlong handicap, but gets the chance to shine following the withdrawal of Excellent Guest.
Excellent Guest finished second in the Royal Hunt Cup on Wednesday, but was declared a non-runner for the Buckingham Palace after not eating up overnight.
Ducal and Norse Blues, the respective second and third reserves, have now been eliminated.
Haggas Representative
Haamaat represents William Haggas after finishing fourth in a six-furlong heat at Haydock last time.
Winner of three of her six starts to date, that run on Merseyside was her first try in Listed company and she was far from disgraced when beaten just over two lengths.
The Shamardal filly had previously won over seven furlongs and reverts to the longer trip this time with retained rider Paul Hanagan taking the ride.
"She stayed on all right at Haydock last time but Tadhg (O'Shea, jockey) thought she would like to go back to seven furlongs," said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdal Al Maktoum.
"She's a tough filly and is pretty good, but there are 30 runners and you can never be confident in a race like that."