Los Angeles ready to seize star billing at Royal Ascot
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore could bring up 150th combined winner in Prince of Wales's Stakes
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Los Angeles edges out Anmaat to win the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh - they clash again today at Royal Ascot (Racing Post Photos)
Los Angeles is a hardy customer, he’s tough and loves a battle. - Aidan O'Brien
Inspired by the City of Angels, it's time for Los Angeles to step out of supporting roles and leave rivals in La La Land at Royal Ascot, writes James Toney.
Aidan O'Brien's big hope for the Group One Prince of Wales's Stakes had a rollercoaster three-year-old season, winning the Irish Derby at the Curragh and placing in both the Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The soft ground clearly didn’t suit on his only previous run at Ascot on Champions Day, and he is unbeaten this season, including a major victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May.
This distinctly unflashy Camelot colt doesn’t have the star power of his name, but he will surely relish a stiff ten furlongs on optimum ground at Royal Ascot.
"Los Angeles is a hardy customer, he’s tough and loves a battle," said O'Brien, whose other hope, Continuous, is expected to set the pace.
"We knew he would keep progressing from race to race, and we think he will come forward again for Royal Ascot. We've been delighted with everything he is doing, and his preparation has been very smooth."
This is a race O'Brien, who opened his Royal Ascot account with Gstaad's eye-catching win in the Coventry Stakes on Tuesday, has won on five occasions, including last year with the brilliant Auguste Rodin.
Add to that tally and he will become the most successful handler in the history of a race that dates back to 1862. It would also secure him and Ryan Moore their 150th Group One win as a partnership.
Owen Burrows's Anmaat was a shock 40-1 winner at Ascot in October but matched Los Angeles closely when finishing second by just half a length at the Curragh, giving connections hope of reversing that result here.
Twomey has never had a Royal Ascot winner, and Billy Lee, fresh from a win on Tuesday, takes the ride.
"We’ve had this race in mind for a while," he said. "I don’t think any of the other horses in the race have won at a mile and six, and I think he will handle the trip."
Joseph O'Brien gave a wry smile after his charges finished second, third and fourth in an Irish sweep of the Ascot Stakes, with jumps trainer Henry de Bromhead landing his first victory at the meeting with Ascending.
The Liffey looks a live chance in the 30-runner Royal Hunt Cup, with Moore in the saddle ten years after his only previous winner in the race.
Aidan O'Brien's big hope for the Group One Prince of Wales's Stakes had a rollercoaster three-year-old season, winning the Irish Derby at the Curragh and placing in both the Derby and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The soft ground clearly didn’t suit on his only previous run at Ascot on Champions Day, and he is unbeaten this season, including a major victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup in May.
This distinctly unflashy Camelot colt doesn’t have the star power of his name, but he will surely relish a stiff ten furlongs on optimum ground at Royal Ascot.
"Los Angeles is a hardy customer, he’s tough and loves a battle," said O'Brien, whose other hope, Continuous, is expected to set the pace.
"We knew he would keep progressing from race to race, and we think he will come forward again for Royal Ascot. We've been delighted with everything he is doing, and his preparation has been very smooth."
This is a race O'Brien, who opened his Royal Ascot account with Gstaad's eye-catching win in the Coventry Stakes on Tuesday, has won on five occasions, including last year with the brilliant Auguste Rodin.
Add to that tally and he will become the most successful handler in the history of a race that dates back to 1862. It would also secure him and Ryan Moore their 150th Group One win as a partnership.
Owen Burrows's Anmaat was a shock 40-1 winner at Ascot in October but matched Los Angeles closely when finishing second by just half a length at the Curragh, giving connections hope of reversing that result here.
Paddy Twomey is enjoying a season to remember in Ireland, with four entries at Royal Ascot, including three on Wednesday, where Carmers puts an unbeaten record on the line in the Group Two Queen’s Vase.Billy Lee leads home an Irish 1-2-3-4 in the Ascot Stakes as @HenrydeBromhead scores his first winner.
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) June 17, 2025
🎙️ @Franmberry #GreenTeam pic.twitter.com/48bFugwmdj
Twomey has never had a Royal Ascot winner, and Billy Lee, fresh from a win on Tuesday, takes the ride.
"We’ve had this race in mind for a while," he said. "I don’t think any of the other horses in the race have won at a mile and six, and I think he will handle the trip."
Joseph O'Brien gave a wry smile after his charges finished second, third and fourth in an Irish sweep of the Ascot Stakes, with jumps trainer Henry de Bromhead landing his first victory at the meeting with Ascending.
The Liffey looks a live chance in the 30-runner Royal Hunt Cup, with Moore in the saddle ten years after his only previous winner in the race.