Blue Bolt too good for Cambridge rivals

Blue Bolt is back on the path into elite-level company after a dominant performance in the latter stages of Wednesday's Gr.2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 18th June 2026, by Sean Cronin:

Last month's Listed Conqueror Stakes victrix employed patient tactics from flagfall and settled off the pace in sixth through halfway. Making eye-catching progress on the bridle once into the home straight, the 5-2 favourite swooped for control approaching the final furlong and was driven out in the closing stages to defeat Jancis by a length and three-quarters. The John and Thady Gosden-trained 2024 Gr.1 Prix de l'Opera heroine Friendly Soul (Kingman) raced in rear for the most part and came home strongly to finish a half-length further adrift in third.

"This has been the plan since she ran so well in the [Gr.1] Sun Chariot at the end of last year," said Andrew Balding. "Barring her first start at Southwell, she has never run a bad race and we've had this in our minds for a good while. It's lovely when a plan comes together."

"We've got to have another go for a Group 1 now and she's been placed in one, but deserves more cracks to try to win one at that level. She's a star and is relaxing much better this year which is really helpful. Colin Keane has given her an amazing ride there, because it was not an easy draw, but he was decisive and got a position and that really helped her win her race. It was a super job and I was always confident she would keep going. The [Gr.1] Falmouth could be a good fit for her if she comes out of this well. She might get an entry in the [Gr.1] Nassau, but it would be nice to get a Group 1 won. We know she stays the mile well, so she will stay at a mile for the time being."