Venetian Sun Shines Bright in Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, Eyes Bigger Targets Ahead

With a Commanding Performance, the Daughter of Starman Confirmed Her Potential and Emerged as a Leading Contender for the 2026 1000 Guineas (G1)

Venetian Sun Looked the Part Beforehand—and Delivered in Full / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKESHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- In a wide-open renewal of the G3 Albany Stakes, it was Venetian Sun who rose to the occasion, delivering a polished and powerful performance that instantly placed her among the early favorites for next year’s G1 1000 Guineas. Ridden with confidence by Clifford Lee, the daughter of Starman took charge inside the final two furlongs and quickened away to score by 1 1/2 lengths.

Representing the colors of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club owner Tony Bloom, in partnership with Ian McAleavy, Venetian Sun travelled smoothly along the rail, defying draw bias from stall 1, and never looked in danger once she hit the front. She was followed home by two longshots—Awaken (Mehmas) and Balantina (Ten Sovereigns)—both of whom also overcame low draws in a surprising outcome that turned track position logic on its head.

Trained by Karl Burke, Venetian Sun had caught the eye when making a winning debut at Carlisle—an often telling launchpad for some of Burke’s most talented juveniles. “I’ve always thought she was very special,” Burke said. “Over the past six weeks, she’s been working like no other 2-year-old I’ve ever trained. She’s been going past horses rated 110 with ease. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Lee, who continues to forge a strong partnership with the Spigot Lodge yard, added: “She was green on debut, but the progress she’s made since then has been huge. James, who rides her every day, told us she was something else—and he was right. She felt different today.”

Bloom, who has enjoyed success at Ascot before over jumps with Energumene (Denham Red), was elated: “We knew she had serious ability, though the inside draw gave us pause. Karl was full of confidence, and rightly so. Based on what we saw today, I have no doubt she’ll stay the mile. The 1000 Guineas is the obvious dream.”

Co-owner McAleavy echoed the sentiment: “Karl told us she was the best 2-year-old filly he’s ever trained. Today, she absolutely lived up to the billing—and then some.”

Among the beaten fillies, Awaken earned plaudits for her runner-up effort at huge odds, providing a thrill for trainer George Boughey and owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing: “She’s still learning, but there’s class there. She’s definitely one for the future.”

Balantina, third after a slow start, also enhanced her reputation. “She ran a huge race,” said jockey Tom Marquand. “Didn’t break cleanly, but she finished very well. Massive effort.”