Ombudsman is set to defend his title in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, aiming to build on a strong comeback victory in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. The race, scheduled for 4:20 p.m. at Ascot, features a highly competitive field including last year’s winner, reigning Arc de Triomphe champion Daryz, and several other top-class middle-distance runners.

Ombudsman, last year’s winner of the race, arrives in excellent form following subsequent Group 1 wins at York and Meydan. Known for his strong acceleration and proven ability on quick ground over the course and distance, Ombudsman remains a leading contender with few question marks over his readiness or suitability to the conditions.

Daryz, the Arc winner from last autumn and a multiple Group 1 victor this season, is considered one of the outstanding middle-distance horses currently in training. He has demonstrated his class and sharp finishing speed over distances slightly shorter than the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, with major wins including the Ganay and Aga Khan. However, questions remain about his ability to perform on firm ground, as many of his best runs have come on softer surfaces.

Almaqam enters the race on the back of a major seasonal victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, where he defeated Bay City Roller in a performance that has since been highly rated. Having previously finished third at Ascot over this distance behind Calandagan and Ombudsman, Almaqam is well suited to the trip and fast ground. His campaign has been carefully managed, with only one run this season leaving him fresher than several rivals.

Minnie Hauk, the accomplished filly with multiple Group 1 wins including the Oaks, Irish Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks in 2025, comes into the contest off a solid reappearance win. She was narrowly beaten by Daryz in the Arc but has since experienced some setback due to reported lameness. She is expected to benefit from the weight allowance carried as a filly and is capable of handling firm ground.

See The Fire, a consistent mare with recent wins including the Middleton Stakes at York, has placed well behind Ombudsman at Ascot in the past and was a close runner-up in the Prix de l’Opera last season. While well suited by the distance and ground conditions, she has yet to break through at this highest level.

Other runners include Dancing Gemini, a miler stepping up in trip after a solid performance in the Lockinge Stakes, and two likely pacemakers—Devil’s Advocate, seen as outclassed at this level, and Mississippi River, who has shown promise in lower grades but is out of contention against this elite field.

With several high-caliber contenders and varying conditions likely to impact performance, the race is shaping up as an intriguing test between Ombudsman’s proven credentials on firm ground and Daryz’s class over middle distances. The outcome will have significant implications for the middle-distance division this season.