The Princess Margaret Stakes (G3) on Saturday at Ascot has attracted a huge field of 17 2-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs in a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In’’ Challenge Series – the winner earning a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Keeneland in late October.
The race is named for Princess Margaret, the younger daughter of King George VI, and was first contested in 1946. The sprint is the co-feature at Ascot, with the showcase event the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) -- a Breeders’ Cup “Win, and You’re In’’ event for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).
Yes, there are favorites, but the large field over 6 furlongs likely turns this sprint into a wide-open affair.
To summarize: The field includes a mix of front-runners and closers, so draw, early position, and ability to quicken in the later stages will be key on the straight Ascot course. Expect a strong pace, with proven performers at the distance and those in form from top yards earning the early respect.
Wathnan Racing’s Alta Regina (9-2) broke her maiden by a widening eight lengths before a disappointing sixth in the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) during the Royal Ascot meet. She’s back for top Qatari trainer Hamad Al Jenani with an eye on redemption.
Dark Issue (5-2) for trainer Pat Dobbs and jockey Richard Hannon looks well-placed with a win and a placing plus prior stakes experience, having finished a respectable fourth in the Albany Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot. She is a strong contender for a yard that does well with juveniles.
The Andrew Balding-trained Moonrise, who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy, and Glorious Game for Hugo Palmer and jockey Colin Keane, add depth from powerful stables, with the latter having winning form and the former showing consistency.
Christophe Soumillon will ride Harlequin Sky for Jane Chapple-Hyam, and the Dubawi Legend filly enters looking for a first career win. Concorde Landed, who is trained by Paddy Twomey and Miss Kodi, from trainer Clive Cox’s yard, represents progressive maiden winners with scope to improve markedly at this level.
Others like Blue Flight, Dee’s Funny Girl, Divine Whisper and Magnesium bring varying levels of experience, some with recent wins or strong maiden efforts. Some lower-rated or less-experienced types could spring surprises if the pace collapses, or the expected firm ground takes a turn.
Sir Michael Stoute leads trainers with five wins -- Circus Ring (1981), Hiaam (1986), Enthused (2000), Russian Rhythm (2002), and Visit (2007). Other notable winners include Lezoo (2022), Sacred Angel (2023), Simmering (2024), and Fitzella (2025) last year
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
