Another winner on Day 2 at Royal Ascot with Le Brivido landing the opener. Onto Day 3, it’s a tough looking day for punters and I’m not really keen on any of the market leaders.
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2.30: Norfolk Stakes
I think the first thing to note is that high drawn runners have been holding sway in straight track races and I see no reason to oppose that view. McErin is the favourite, coming from the Wesley Ward yard, but a defeat last time out isn’t the best preparation and there’s better value elsewhere.
Santry has won both his races but they were on soft and 13/2 is a tight price for what he’s achieved. Nine Below Zero is tough to oppose but I’m put off by his draw so instead I’m drawn to Havana Grey.
A winner of the National Stakes, I can’t believe some people are knocking that run. The winner of Tuesday’s Windsor Castle Stakes was behind our horse in that race so the form has a strong feel to it. That run has also produced the best RPR of any in this field and he’s proven on this ground.
His trainer sends just 1 to Royal Ascot and he has a nice draw in stall 14. With an excellent turn of foot, the prominent race who can lead if needed could prove to be too good for these at a very tasty each way price.
Tips
Back Havana Grey (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 Betfred BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
Back it here:
3.05: Hampton Court Stakes
Last time out beaten horses have traditionally done well here which is good as the front 7 in the market were all defeated on their most recent run. However, it also pays to look at those beaten at the very top level, as this is a drop down to Group 3 company.
I’m not a huge fan of Mirage Dancer although there’s plenty of scope for improvement whilst Benbatl is a solid yardstick but I’m sure he has the requisite improvement to land this. Irishcorrespondent steps up in trip and faces faster ground that he’s encountered so is a risky proposition.
The one I like is the Irish raider, Orderofthegarter. Despite not winning as a 2 year old, he ran a couple of cracking races and then opened this season with a pair of very easy wins including a 4 length win in Listed company. His last 2 runs have both been in France, first in the Guineas finishing behind Brametot and a Royal Ascot winner in Le Brivido. Stepped up in trip last time, he put in an improved effort in finishing 6th, just 3 lengths behind Brametot again. He didn’t get the best of runs and looked to be the one to take out of the race. Therefore, at the prices, he looks a solid each way shout.
Tips
PLACED – Back Orderofthegarter (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 7.00 Skybet BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
Back it here:
3.40: Ribblesdale Stakes
Alluringly has the best form, Mori has the most potential and Gosden runs 4. That’s enough for me to sit this one out.
4.20: Gold Cup
I cannot be having Order Of St George at the prices but, that said, there’s nothing I fancy to take him on with. Quest For More could go well if returning to form but it requires a leap of faith so I’ll keep my powder dry for other races.
5.00: Britannia Stakes Handicap
1 mile with 30 3 year olds in opposition makes this a tough puzzle. The starting point is a well fancied, last time out handicap winner and the one such type I like is Keyser Soze. His small stable has had one Ascot runner so far and that resulted in a win with Rajasinghe.
He has a cracking draw against the stands rail and looks to be improving rapidly. He’s won 2 from 2 and quickened up both times, going clear to win comfortably. A step up in trip should suit and fast ground is ideal. Admittedly, he’s shot up the weights but I very much doubt he’s finished improving. It’s an open looking race but I’m prepared to take a chance on a 2nd winner of the week for this small yard.
Tips
Back Keyser Soze (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 Bet365 BOG (¼ odds 1-5)
Back it here:
5.35: King George V Stakes Handicap
Another tough race to end the day but Mark Johnston is usually the trainer to side with. Mister Manduro would be his best hope but I think Atty Persse is a class above if he can overcome his draw in 22 on the round course. 5/1 is a little too short for me with question marks over the draw although I could be made to look stupid come 6pm.
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