Home Affairs Hopes to Emulate Nature Strip in Jubilee

They have had identical preparations according to Chris Waller but can Home Affairs produce an identical performance to Nature Strip ? If he does we will see a second procession up the famous Ascot straight in the June 18 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (G1).

Nature Strip scorched the turf on Tuesday in the King's Stand Stakes (G1), with only the riderless Khaadem  able to keep him company in the closing stages. It was utterly emphatic and the scary thing for the other 26 runners in the Platinum Jubilee is that Home Affairs has already beaten his stablemate in the Feb. 19 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington Racecourse.

Waller, the wonderful trainer of Winx, has said everything has gone perfectly to script up to now for Home Affairs, but is under no illusions about the magnitude of the task facing the favorite given his age.

Waller said: "Everything is great with him and he's had exactly the same preparation (as Nature Strip), from the trials back in Sydney to the jump outs in Sydney, then the jump out down the straight at Flemington, and they traveled together as well.

"They've done everything perfectly well and they've got the same form. It's not easy for a 3-year-old colt, but everything has gone to plan for Home Affairs."

Fellow Australian shipper Artorius was third to Home Affairs in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1) back in October, but he was a length and three-quarters ahead of the hot favorite for this in the Newmarket Handicap (G1) at Flemington in March when he stayed on into sixth having missed the break.

He has been strongly supported over the last couple of days, into a single-figure price having been available at as big as 16-1 on Thursday, and trainer Anthony Freeman is hoping jockey Jamie Spencer has the keys to unlock a seriously competitive Platinum Jubilee.

Freedman said: "Jamie has had a couple of rides on him now and he really gets on with him very well. I haven't seen the horse go like he does for Jamie in his work. He really uses himself properly. It feels like he has a really good rapport with him."

Stonestreet Stables' Campanelle , last year's Commonwealth Cup (G1) winner, gives trainer Wesley Ward one of his last chances to salvage a rather disappointing Royal Ascot meet. The 4-year-old Kodiac  filly has been given 10-1 morning line odds in her matchup against the Australians.

"We've got high hopes for (Campanelle)," said Ward. "She is already a two-time winner at the course so she obviously likes it here, and she put in a good comeback run. She is dappled like a leopard as well. I'm very hopeful."

Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Campanelle returned from a six-month layoff to land the Giant's Causeway Stakes this past April at Keeneland as a tune-up for the Platinum Jubilee.