Kevin Philippart de Foy, recently appointed as Amo Racing’s retained trainer, has assembled a diverse and competitive team ahead of his debut at Royal Ascot, the premier event on the Flat racing calendar. While yet to establish a standout star, Philippart de Foy’s squad benefits from a late boost with the acquisition of several promising juveniles from Ireland, enhancing their depth for the week-long meeting.

Among the older horses, Cathedral is the leading performer, expected to contest the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on Wednesday. Philippart de Foy highlighted the mare’s strong recent form, noting her adaptability and tactical improvement after a solid run in the Dahlia Stakes where she contested a fast early pace. Another notable entrant is Ghostwriter, a £2 million purchase last year who missed the entire 12 months following a pre-race accident at Royal Ascot in 2022. After a recent workout on the July Course, Ghostwriter is poised for his return in Tuesday’s Wolferton Stakes, though longer distances are anticipated for his ultimate campaigns.

Several other experienced runners are set to compete across the meeting. Square Necker is entered in Tuesday’s Ascot Stakes over 2 miles 4 furlongs, with connections optimistic about his stamina for the trip despite a modest recent effort over 1 mile 5 furlongs. Fierce Fortitude, fresh from a victory at Redcar, will step into the Copper Horse Stakes, and Maldives may join the Ribblesdale Stakes, although connections regard her chances as long.

The juvenile contingent includes multiple runners across Royal Ascot’s two-year-old races. In the Queen Mary Stakes on Wednesday, Philippart de Foy has entered Crownbreaker and Lover Girl. Crownbreaker, despite a setback at Carlisle due to wet conditions, is noted for her speed, while Lover Girl, already a black-type performer, is expected to benefit from a different race pace at Ascot compared to her recent run at York. Napa, another juvenile targeting Wednesday’s Windsor Castle Stakes, is back on track after a disappointing run that was later better understood by the trainer.

Further juvenile attention comes on Friday in the Albany Stakes with Silent Beauty and What A Girl Wants. Silent Beauty impressed with a professional win at Yarmouth, while What A Girl Wants steps up in distance following a solid performance in a Listed race at the Curragh. Force Noir, one of two juveniles obtained from trainer Robson De Aguiar, will contest the Norfolk Stakes on Saturday, having overcome a muddy debut to secure a win at Naas.

Additional entries include Sovereign Spell in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes and Domina Ignis in the Jersey Stakes, both acknowledged as outsiders. Lakers, running in the highly competitive Wokingham Stakes, could capitalize if conditions soften with rain, while Maxi King will attempt the endurance-testing Queen Alexandra Stakes after a strong Chester Cup placing.

Philippart de Foy’s preparation for Royal Ascot reflects a balanced approach combining promising youth and seasoned performers, aiming to navigate the week’s varied challenges and secure notable successes for Amo Racing.