The 2025 St James’s Palace Stakes will bring together the winners of the English, Irish and French 2000 Guineas, making it one of the biggest clashes of the entire year. With a small field of supporting actors combining to make this a real racing treat, Joe Napier previews the race and gives his verdict.
FAVOURITES
A sensational performance at the Curragh catapulted Field Of Gold not only to head of the market for the St James’s Palace Stakes, but also into the exciting echelon of potential champions. A promising juvenile, he has clearly developed over the winter to appear as the leading light over 1m.
He was imperious in the Irish 2000 Guineas, winning by just shy of four lengths despite a wide passage. Nevertheless, he was a beaten favourite at Newmarket in the English edition as Ruling Court got the better of him for Godolphin. The son of Justify only missed the Derby due to the late rain which fell at Epsom and reverts to the trip over which he has more experience. He is quick enough to give Field Of Gold something to think about again, if not likely to get the verdict once more.
Henri Matisse is the less known quantity of the market-leading trio. Aidan O’Brien has won this a record nine times, although only twice in the last nine years, with his French 2000 Guineas hero the clear pick of three Ballydoyle participants. He has won his last three, gamely forging on to win by a head at Longchamp and is another improved model as a three-year-old.
St James’s Palace Stakes Betting Offers
| Bookmaker | Offer |
| Bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets |
| Paddy Power | Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets for Royal Ascot |
| SkyBet | Bet 5p Get £40 in Free Bets |
| Dabble | Completely Free £10 Free Bet |
| Puntit | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets |
OUTSIDERS
More was evidently expected of Officer in the Irish Guineas, where he was Ryan Moore’s mount for O’Brien. He is likely better than that seventh-placed effort having been interfered with in-running, while Rashabar was a game fourth at the Curragh, though both look to be fighting for scraps here.
First Wave has potential, but is surely the Ballydoyle pacemaker, while Windlord, despite being trained by Andrew Balding rather than the Gosdens, could do something similar for Field Of Gold given he is also owned by Juddmonte. His eighth in the Irish Guineas exposed his limitations.
VERDICT
This is unlikely to be as clear-cut as at the Curragh, but FIELD OF GOLD looks a potentially special horse and can overturn English 2000 Guineas running with Ruling Court. The selection probably should have won at Newmarket and Colin Keane will likely try and keep things as simple as possible. Ruling Court could remain the main danger, although there is clearly faith in him to go up in trip at some stage given he only missed the Derby at the 11th hour, so Henri Matisse may be the pick for the forecast.
- Field Of Gold
- Henri Matisse
- Ruling Court
