After three days of fantastic racing we have reached the penultimate day at the Royal Ascot meeting but the quality action keeps on coming. The Coronation Stakes is the standout feature on the card on Friday but as ever at Ascot the supporting races are of the highest quality. We’ve been down the card and picked out our best bets.
2.30 Ascot: Albany Stakes
Preview
The opener is a 6 furlong Group 3 for 2 year olds with Aiden O’Brien holding a strong hand with the front 2 in the market, Just Wonderful & Fairyland. Once raced maiden winners are the ones to be on & a shock in this race is not uncommon so I’ll follow that theme & chance one at a huge price.
Betting
Byron Bay is a French raider who won her only start in a decent maiden at Chantilly 6 weeks ago. She made eye catching progress & once she hit the front, drew clear to win comfortably by over 2 lengths. Other than the back markers, only the 4th & 5th have raced since, both of them being 8 lengths back, so it is encouraging that they have both been in the winners enclosure. That gives the form of our selection a boost & she has solid claims with Mickael Barzalona again taking the ride.
Tips
Back Byron Bay (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 23.00 with Bet365 (1/4 1-4)
3.05 Ascot: King Edward VII Stakes
Preview
A small but select field for this Group 2 contest over a mile and a half. Delano Roosevelt disappointed in the Derby but is the likely favourite here whilst Raa Atoll is a horse on the up but this is by far his most difficult test to date. Rostropovich & Giuseppe Garibaldi are 2 other O’Brien challengers but I can’t be backing either as the yard has a relatively poor record in this race.
Betting
I cannot get away from Old Persian in this. Let’s not forget he beat Gronkowski by almost 5 lengths last term & since that race, Gronkowski has only been beaten by one horse in 5 subsequent runs. That horse being Justify, the US Triple Crown winner. Our selection has more than just that run to recommend him; he won a Class 3 handicap on his seasonal reappearance, then got edged out by Hampton Stakes favourite & stablemate Key Victory in a listed event before winning his last start, again in a listed race. He’s been noted as staying on & running on so the step up in distance is sure to suit. With a lack of serious contenders, his odds make him an each way bet to nothing.
Tips
WON – Back Old Persian (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 6.00 with Bet365 (1/4 1-3)
3.40 Ascot: Commonwealth Cup
Preview
After the wins in the last 2 years for Caravaggio & Quiet Reflection, this year’s renewal looks a really open event. Equilateral couldn’t have been more impressive in winning a novice event last time out but has it to prove in this field, whilst Sioux Nation is priced more on its connections than form. The form of the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock is sure to play a part here with winner Sands Of Mali in the field but I’m opposing him.
Betting
Invincible Army lost out in a photo in that race but it was a battle all the way to the line & I expect him to turn the tables today at a track that will suit him better. He’s a super horse having finished 1st or 2nd in 7 of his 8 career starts. He won a course & distance Group 3 on his reappearance run when readily coming clear of his rivals & the track looks tailor made to his style. Good to firm ground will suit, he has a decent draw & he looks a great price with the rest of the 22 strong field at much bigger odds, summing up their chances.
Tips
Back Invincible Army (e/w) for a 1.5/10 stake at 10.00 with BetVictor (1/5 1-4)
Back it here:
4.20 Ascot: Coronation Stakes
I’m not struck by any of Clemmie, Alpha Centauri or Billesdon Brook but, by the same token, there’s nothing I fancy to beat them so I’ll sit this one out.
4.55 Ascot: Sandringham Stakes Handicap
A big field handicap is normally our bag but not this one. I looked & looked again but don’t have a strong opinion in this race. Good luck if you do get involved but be wary of last time out maiden winners.
[the_ad_group id=”3624″]
5.30 Ascot: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Handicap
Preview
A double figure draw, surprisingly, is normally an advantage & I’ll be sticking with that view in this. Dash Of Spice & Thundering Blue are worth their place at the head of the market but their revised marks look stiff enough so I’m going to take them both on.
Betting
Top Tug was 4th last year after plotting a similar path to this race & I’m expecting him to do even better this year. Last year, he won a Goodwood handicap off 100 before running 4th in this off 105. This year, he arguably ran better when finishing 2nd in that same Goodwood race of his revised mark of 105 & his mark is unchanged for today’s race. Fast ground suits best & he needs every yard of a stiff mile and a half to show his best. With a strong pace likely, I’m confident he’ll be staying on best of all & I’m just hoping he’s not too far back when making his challenge. At the prices, I’m happy to pay to find out.
Tips
PLACED – Back Top Tug (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 15.00 with William Hill (1/5 1-5)
Back it here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2018
