A Shin Hikari puts Royal Ascot on notice with Chantilly romp
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A buzz began to form for A Shin Hikari’s chances at Royal Ascot next month after the Japanese star claimed a formidable win in the Prix d’Ispahan at Chantilly.
The Hong Kong Cup winner was mightily impressive on his European debut, putting 10 lengths between himself and runner up Dariyan in France. As a result, the five-year-old was cut to 6/4 by Ladbrokes for the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
Masanori Sakaguchi’s entry had onlookers in awe as he destroyed what appeared a strong field for the Chantilly Group 1, with the Racing Post wondering if the result may be an early contender for the best of the season.
There were rumblings across Twitter too as pundits and commentators praised A Shin Hikari’s feat.
Stunning success for #AShinHikari @fgchantilly pic.twitter.com/lwGTF0D1Y4
— Katherine Ford (@KfordEquidia) May 24, 2016
A beast from the east announces himself as A Shin Hikari destroys a good field in the d’Ispahan. Adds huge interest to Royal Ascot now.
— Graham Cunningham (@gcunning12) May 24, 2016
A Shin Hikari demolishes the Prix D’Ispahan field. Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at @Ascot next.
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) May 24, 2016
Astonishing D’Ispahan win for A Shin Hikari at Chantilly. Shows versatility for tactics and ground. Likely to be Prince Of Wales next.
— Richard Hoiles (@RichardHoiles) May 24, 2016
No Japanese entry has ever won at the Berkshire royal meeting, with the second place Agnes World achieved all the way back in 2000 the best on record.
The mountain for A Shin Hikari to climb is clearly vast, but after adapting to European conditions so well in France there’s rightfully expectations of ending the hoodoo come June.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
