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Aljazzi stretches clear under William Buick

Homebred Aljazzi ran out the fantastic winner of the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday, storming clear for a three-and-three-quarters of a length success.

Aljazzi represents two generations of Blue Diamond breeding as a daughter of Nouriya, another stud homebred who carried our colours to victory in the Listed John Musker Stakes and Listed EBF Lyric Stakes.

The daughter of Shamardal was highly progressive for Marco Botti last term, running second in the Duke Of Cambridge before winning the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown Park. She reappeared in April in the Sandown Mile, in which she ran a highly creditable third under Wednesday’s pilot William Buick. As a result, she was well fancied for this year’s Duke Of Cambridge and didn’t disappoint, quickening clear for a commanding victory once asked. Tribute Act was best of the rest while Group 1 winner Hydrangea was well beaten in eighth.

Imad Al Sagar receives the winning trophy from Prince Edward, Earl Of Wessex. Photo: Steven Cargill

“It was always the plan to bring Aljazzi back here this year,” said Marco Botti. “We knew coming here that she was in good shape. She can wind herself up before her races and she got a bit warm today but that wasn’t really a concern.

“It was very exciting to see her quicken so well and go clear. She needs a bit of time between her races and, all going well, the Falmouth would look an obvious target.”

Aljazzi is the first foal out of Nouriya, a half-sister to the Listed-placed Lady Nouf, also a member of the Blue Diamond band, and Balmoral Handicap winner Yuften, who also finished second past the post in the Prix Jean Prat.

Nouriya has a two-year-old filly filly by Australia in training with Roger Charlton, a yearling filly by Frankel and a colt foal by Golden Horn.

She visited our multiple Group 1 winner Decorated Knight this year.