As Royal Ascot 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, Big Evs is poised to complete a fairytale year in the King Charles III Stakes.
With the glitz and glamour of the Berkshire showpiece ready for another edition, 35 races are on the menu for the week once more.
One of the big draw sprints on opening day – formerly known as the King’s Stand – can Mick Appleby’s hugely likeable colt add to his growing reputation?
Dream debut season
Seeking a fourth win on the trot this week, Big Evs burst onto the scene 12 months ago, as a 20/1 winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes.
However, in just his second race, it proved no fluke.
🟥🟦 Big Evs takes the Windsor Castle Stakes
Another big-priced winner at the Royal Meeting#ITVRacing | #RoyalAscot | @jasonhart13 | @MickApplebyUK pic.twitter.com/ffI3iQaqN1
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 21, 2023
The Group 3 Molecomb followed at Glorious Goodwood, and though a disappointing outing in the Nunthorpe came later last August, Group 1 success was not far off.
Winning the Flying Childers at the Ebor Festival, the team’s first trip away from home took in the Breeders’ Cup.
Glory coming in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita by half a length over Valliant Force, Big Evs was a made name.
Fairy story
Since last year’s Royal Ascot, Big Evs’ story has become a rite of passage for racing fans and pundits.
A runner who came from the wilderness last June for glory, the story of this horse is made from the true essence of fairy tale.
Named in honour of owner Paul Teasdale’s good friend, Paul Evans, ‘Big Evs’, the 3yo has honoured his passing.
The team of Appleby and Teasdale have proved quite the duo and back-to-back Royal Ascot success could set Big Evs for a thoroughbred career.
Regional rivals
His main foe for the King Charles – in the markets at least – looks to be Callum Rodriguez and Regional.
Making his Ascot debut, the gelding is double the age, but already has Group 1 success from last Autumn’s Sprint Stakes at York.
Ed Bethell’s hoper also comes here from a runner-up in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in April, however, in elite company, Regional has not won over 5f.
Meanwhile, Twilight Calls and Ryan Moore return for another crack at the crown.
Having finished fourth last year, Henry Candy’s fancy trailed home the electric Nature Strip two years ago for second.
If Twilight Calls finally gets some fortune, with and okay draw and with the ground as it is, could 2024 finally be third time lucky at 12/1 with William Hill?
One big punt who could be worth a look, Valliant Force was another huge-price Royal Ascot story last year, and as we have documented, has more than a little history with Big Evs.
A 150/1 sensation in the Norfolk Stakes in 2023, the Amo Racing colt has not won since, but pushed Big Evs all the way in the Breeders’ Cup.
A real nippy sprinter, the weather looks to be playing ball and again seems a great shout at 16/1 with BoyleSports.
The King Charles III Stakes takes place on Tuesday at 3:45pm UK time.
