Why Royal Ascot dont have a Group 1 middle distance race for 3 year olds?

[Austin]

There is St James Palace where Guineas contenders can go at each other again. Also, coronation stakes for fillies.

But no mile and half race for derby contenders. Yes there is King Edward stakes but its not group 1.

Should Royal Ascot have one mile n half race for 3 year olds?

[Cork All Star]

It would be too close to the Irish Derby.

[TheTinMan87]

The racing calendar generally doesn’t cater enough for out and out male 12F Group 1 horses over here and in Ireland in my opinion. For a 4yo+ 12F male horse at G1 level you have the Coronation Cup which won’t be everyone’s cup of tea as its held at Epsom which a lot of horses don’t act at and then there’s the King George. The 3yo’s have the Derby (again Epsom), the Irish Derby and then the King George. Contrast that with options over 10/10.5F – Tatersalls Gold Cup, Prince Of Wales, Eclipse, Juddmonte, Irish Champion and Champion Stakes (Ascot). The real oddity of it all is that the fillies and mares get a chance to dodge the Juddmonte which most of them do by running in the Yorkshire Oaks which is a G1 option over 12F for them.

[Gingertipster]

Although some years the standard is Group 1, doubt the overall average King Edward quite justifies moving it up to Group 1. That could change.

However – so close – making the “Ascot Derby” into a Group 1 may be to the detriment of the Derby itself.

Value Is Everything

[Tonge]

Agree with these comments. A good Edward VII winner is almost certain to go on to Group 1 success and the Group 2 status doesn’t seem to deter top class entries

[Author]

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