WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES

(LISTED)

UPPER Lambourn trainer Archie Watson was a little bit down after Nate The Great’s narrow defeat in the Chesham.

However, his first Royal Ascot success was not long delayed as Soldier’s Call, running fast all the way towards the stands’ side, landed the Windsor Castle Stakes at 12/1 under Danny Tudhope in the colours of Clipper Logistics.

Soldier’s Call, by Showcasing, is all about speed. He always had the legs of the stands’ side group, though Richard Fahey’s Sabre finished strongly to be beaten only half a length, with Joseph O’Brien’s Dom Carlos taking third on the opposite wing.

Watson is making highly significant progress in only his second full year with a licence. He has already passed the 100-winner mark and is certain to attract influential patrons after this.

Soldier’s Call looks a natural for the Molecomb at Goodwood but further down the line the trainer is thinking of the Juvenile Turf Sprint over five and a half furlongs at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Churchill Downs. That race takes its place on the main Friday card at the two-day meeting.