Hugo Palmer Blog | Royal Ascot Day Three
17 Jun 2026
Coral Racing Ambassador, Hugo Palmer, previews his five runners on Thursday at Royal Ascot, including the three horses he's sending to the Britannia Stakes.
16:50 Ascot – We’re Goosers, Laureate Crown & Lion Of Alba
We saddle three runners in this year's Britannia, and between them we've managed to cover the draw spectrum nicely with one low, one middle and one high.
We're Goosers has emerged as probably our best-handicapped runner in the race. He's a lovely, big horse who should be suited by the quick ground and is expected to come on significantly for his seasonal reappearance. He's been pleasing us at home and looks capable of running a big race.
Laureate Crown has done nothing but improve this season. He won at Ascot last year, which is always a positive heading back to the track, and the way we expect the race to be run should suit him well. He arrives in excellent form and deserves his chance in a competitive handicap like this.
Lion Of Alba is another horse we think can be competitive from his current mark. While you could argue a race of this nature might be slightly stronger than ideal for him, he's in great shape and certainly has the ability to outrun his odds if things fall his way.
17:35 Ascot – Glacius
Glacius takes his chance in the Hampton Court Stakes, and while it's a big ask to come to Royal Ascot for his first start of the season, we're looking forward to seeing what he can do.
He wasn't ready in time for the Guineas, a Derby trial or the Derby itself, but we've always felt he'd appreciate fast ground and a step up in trip. That's been the plan throughout the winter, and he's only recently started to come to himself.
Whatever happens here, we'd expect him to improve for the run, but we certainly think he's capable of running a very respectable race.
18:10 Ascot – Stratusnine
Our final runner on Thursday is Stratusnine in the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
He's drawn in the middle and will likely be ridden patiently. He'll want some cover early before being produced late, and while we're not absolutely certain this trip is ideal, we do think there's every chance he'll stay if things unfold in his favour.
The owners were keen to ensure he got a run at the meeting, and with no guarantee of making the cut for the Wokingham, this looked the right option. If he settles and gets the race run to suit, he's capable of finishing strongly.
Hugo Palmer, Coral Racing Ambassador
16:50 Ascot – We’re Goosers, Laureate Crown & Lion Of Alba
We saddle three runners in this year's Britannia, and between them we've managed to cover the draw spectrum nicely with one low, one middle and one high.
We're Goosers has emerged as probably our best-handicapped runner in the race. He's a lovely, big horse who should be suited by the quick ground and is expected to come on significantly for his seasonal reappearance. He's been pleasing us at home and looks capable of running a big race.
Laureate Crown has done nothing but improve this season. He won at Ascot last year, which is always a positive heading back to the track, and the way we expect the race to be run should suit him well. He arrives in excellent form and deserves his chance in a competitive handicap like this.
Lion Of Alba is another horse we think can be competitive from his current mark. While you could argue a race of this nature might be slightly stronger than ideal for him, he's in great shape and certainly has the ability to outrun his odds if things fall his way.
17:35 Ascot – Glacius
Glacius takes his chance in the Hampton Court Stakes, and while it's a big ask to come to Royal Ascot for his first start of the season, we're looking forward to seeing what he can do.
He wasn't ready in time for the Guineas, a Derby trial or the Derby itself, but we've always felt he'd appreciate fast ground and a step up in trip. That's been the plan throughout the winter, and he's only recently started to come to himself.
Whatever happens here, we'd expect him to improve for the run, but we certainly think he's capable of running a very respectable race.
18:10 Ascot – Stratusnine
Our final runner on Thursday is Stratusnine in the Buckingham Palace Stakes.
He's drawn in the middle and will likely be ridden patiently. He'll want some cover early before being produced late, and while we're not absolutely certain this trip is ideal, we do think there's every chance he'll stay if things unfold in his favour.
The owners were keen to ensure he got a run at the meeting, and with no guarantee of making the cut for the Wokingham, this looked the right option. If he settles and gets the race run to suit, he's capable of finishing strongly.
Hugo Palmer, Coral Racing Ambassador
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