The son of Excelebration was having just his fourth career start having run a solid second in the Guineas at Newmarket last time. BARNEY ROY won the feature event on day one of Royal Ascot in the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes under James Doyle. The Godolphin owned colt is still learning his trade but he is doing so at the top end of the spectrum. 'Nothing went right for him at Newmarket with a mixture of the slow pace and the undulations causing all sorts of problems.'
He came to Ascot having skipped the Irish Guineas. 'The plan was to come straight here and keep him a fresh horse. He is still learning the game and he really impressed me when he got going in the last furlong. There is no doubt that he will get a mile and a quarter, so I will speak to the team and make a plan.'
James Doyle settled the horse in prime spot on the rail a few lengths back. The pace was genuine and he pulled Barney Roy out at the top of the stretch and wound him up. He was always getting there and once he hit top gear he accelerated past the leaders. 'He has a massive stride and was really allowed to stretch today. He is a very exciting horse for the future.'
Back at Ascot today with three runners including OUT OF THE FLAMES in the Queen Mary, GEORGE WILLIAM and TABARAAK in the Royal Hunt Cup.