O'Brien Adds Fleeting to Ribblesdale Mix
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Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post
Aidan O'Brien will seek his fourth Ribblesdale Stakes win in the past six years when Royal Ascot gets underway
Fleeting will attempt to provide Aidan O'Brien with a fourth Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) win in six years after being supplemented for the June 20 event at Royal Ascot.
Third in the Investec Oaks (G1) behind Anapurna and Pink Dogwood, neither of whom will run at the royal meeting, Fleeting was on June 14 a general 9-4 second choice behind market leader Queen Power after Friday's confirmation stage.
O'Brien said: "We decided to supplement Fleeting. We've been happy with her since her good run in the Oaks. Pink Dogwood will wait for the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh the weekend after next."
Fifteen fillies remain in the Ribblesdale with O'Brien (Chablis, Fleeting, Heaven On Earth, Invitation, and Peach Tree) and John Gosden (Fanny Logan, Shambolic, Sparkle Roll, and Star Catcher) responsible for nearly two thirds of the possible runners.
Numerically O'Brien holds a stronger hand than Gosden in the Gold Cup (G1) as well, with five possible contenders headed by Kew Gardens, although in Stradivarius Gosden has the leading stayer and clear market leader.
O'Brien said: "Kew Gardens and Capri are intended runners at this stage. Nothing is set in stone yet but it's possible Southern France and Flag Of Honour could wait for the Hardwicke Stakes on the Saturday."
The likes of Dee Ex Bee, Thomas Hobson, and Magic Circle also remain in the Royal Ascot highlight.
The going at Ascot is currently good to soft on the straight and soft, good to soft in places on the round course after 82 millimeters of rain in the past week. Occasional showers have been forecast for Saturday, followed by a warmer spell.