Australian mare Ortensia is ready to continue her overseas campaign at Royal Ascot when she lines up for the Grade 1 King Stand Stakes.

Ortensia

Ortensia is chasing victory in the Kings Stand Stakes - photo © Taron Clarke

The six-year-old mare will be looking to add another overseas win to her collection after winning the Group 1 Alquoz Sprint in Dubai in March.

Ortensia has now won her past three race starts and is in top form as she attempts to keep her winning streak alive.

The Testa Rossa mare has already won 11 of her 30 career starts and has earned more than $2 million in prize money.

Trainer Paul Messara said a good barrier is crucial for Ortensia, who will be ridden on pace during the race.

“I hope we draw where the speed is and where the main chances are so we’ve got a nice horse to follow in the race,” Messara said.

“It’s going to be a huge field and I think you’ve got to draw where the speed is.

“And there is no doubt there will be speed on in this race.”

Ortensia flew home from last to win the $1 million Alquoz Sprint by more than a length in Dubai, however, Messara does not believe that tactic will work in the King Stand Stakes.

“It will be hard to make up the ground we were able to in Dubai so she will certainly have to settle a couple of lengths closer,” he said.

“Royal Ascot is an uphill track whereas Dubai was flat.”

Ortensia has spent the past two and a half months at Newmarket, just outside of London, in an attempt to help her adjust to her surroundings.

Messara is confident this approach has benefited Ortensia enough for her to be a winning chance in the King Stand on June 19.

“It’s really helped to get her used to her new environment, get her out on the slopes and get her used to working here,” the trainer said.

 

 

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