Scone mare Ortensia will jump from barrier five for Tuesday’s Group 1 King Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot.
There’s been a mixed reaction to the draw on the grandstand side, with bookmakers installing her favourite, and trainer Paul Messara was cautiously optimistic.
Messara, from one of the Hunter Valley’s most famous racing families, said he was hoping for a “middle gate” in the 23-horse field so jockey Craig Williams had options with the mare, who normally comes from behind.
It’s the second biggest field in the history of the race, with Aussie sprinter Takeover Target beating 27 runners in 2006.
Ortensia hasn’t raced since winning the rich Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai in March.
The seven-year-old mare was sent to Messara after losing all form, and has staved off retirement plans, with her value as a broodmare skyrocketing.
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