Awtaad and Galileo could clash again An exciting clash between the winners of the English, French and Irish 2000 Guineas remains on the cards in the St James's Palace Stakes. Hugo Palmer's Newmarket winner Galileo Gold, his Curragh conqueror Awtaad and Aidan O'Brien's Deauville hero The Gurkha are set to light up the opening day of Royal Ascot. Faster conditions are expected to help Galileo Gold and connections will be hoping there is not too much rain between now and then Harry Herbert, racing advisor to owners Al Shaqab Racing, said: "All racing fans are looking forward to the opening day of Royal Ascot. "If everything goes to the St James's Palace Stakes sound and well, a cracking race will be in store and it is what the race is all about. It will be a proper championship race. "He has the right to improve as he is only lightly raced but it will be a different race on better ground." O'Brien has also left in Air Vice Marshall, Bravery, Claudio Monteverdi and Long Island Sound among a possible field of 15. Clive Cox's Zonderland, Richard Fahey's Ribchester, Michael O'Callaghan's Blue De Vega, Simon Crisford's First Selection and Charlie Appleby's Emotionless are other notable contenders.
