Star sprinter OXTED (Mayson) lay down a marker in the division with an explosive victory in the King’s Stand Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot. This was the second Group 1 win for Roger Teal’s horse and arguably an even better performance than last season’s July Cup victory. Dropped back to 5f for the first time in his career, Cieren Fallon settled Oxted towards the rear of the field as the leaders clocked a breakneck pace. Oxted began to pick off rivals approaching the final furlong before delivering a potent finishing kick to win by 1.75 lengths. There is a 25 day gap break until the July Cup and Oxted will surely have outstanding claims to land consecutive renewals if he is in similar form. Oxted was bred by Homecroft Wealth Racing and is owned by S Piper, T Hirschfeld, D Fish & J Collins. Oxted continues a fantastic start to the season for Mayson, who has already been represented by dual Group winner ROHAAN, Listed winner LAUGH A MINUTE and Group 2 runner-up AINSDALE.
Earlier on the card, the prestigious Group 2 Coventry Stakes was won in emphatic style by the Cheveley Park Stud bred BERKSHIRE SHADOW. Andrew Balding’s colt relished the step up to 6f, flying home up the near rail under Oisin Murphy to retain his unbeaten record. Owned by Berkshire Parts & Panels Ltd. Berkshire Shadow was purchased as a yearling for 40,000gns from Cheveley Park Stud at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. His dam Angel Vision (Oasis Dream) is a winning daughter of champion racemare ISLINGTON and was acquired by Cheveley Park Stud from the Ballymacoll Stud dispersal at the 2017 Tattersalls December Mare Sale.