The final day of another very enjoyable Royal Ascot with the sprinters taking centre stage as the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee and the Wokingham Handicap are the key races. For me, it’s a day of viewing rather than punting with just the one bet recommended.
2.30: Chesham Stakes
We kick off Day 5 with another 2 year old event, this time over 6 furlongs. Despite the field of 15, this looks distinctly uncompetitive with the front 3 in the market the only ones to be trading less than 14/1 in the market. I’m happy to concentrate on those 3 which is a straight battle between an odds on Aiden O’Brien hotpot and a pair of colts sired by the mighty Frankel. Churchill is the O’Brien horse and he has just the 1 run under his belt and on what he’s shown, I’m not getting involved at the price. He ran in a Curragh maiden where he was made favourite but could finish only 3rd. A step up in trip will suit but I cannot get carried with the way he was outpaced and then stayed on again.
I’d much rather focus on the 2 out of Frankel. Frankuus is Mark Johnston’s entry and he won a 7 furlong maiden at Haydock on firmish ground. He was impressive enough but I’m sweet on the chances of the other one, Cunco from the yard of John Gosden. On today’s ground at Newbury over a furlong shorter, he won in impressive style and when you look at the build up and the race itself, it looks even better. He was a monkey in the preliminaries and didn’t settle that great. He had to be pushed along when the pace quickened but the way he went about his business after that was as good as you’ll see from a juvenile this year. Quickening up well, he won with something in hand and he took a while to pull up. I think there’s loads more to come and he looks a terrific each way bet to nothing at 4/1.
PLACED – Back Cunco (e/w) for a 2/10 stake at 5.00 Coral (¼ odds 1-3 BOG)
3.05: Wolferton Handicap
A very trappy looking handicap and one I want to swerve. I’m not a Best Of Times fan and think one of the bigger priced horses will win but as to which one, I’ve no strong opinion. I’d love to see Maleficent Queen go well against the boys for Keith Dalgleish but think Sir Isaac Newton can finally fulfil his potential and land this prize.
3.40: Hardwicke Stakes
Another difficult contest to predict the outcome of despite a relatively small field. Eagle Top has the track form and must go well but his very disappointing 4th of 5 last time out will take some forgiving. It may therefore pay to side with favourite Exosphere who bolted up ahead of Simple Verse last time. 9/4 is no price though.
4.20: Golden Jubilee
A surprisingly small field of 9 but still plenty of good horses in there. Horses from Hong Kong, Australia, France and the US are all entered with last winner’s Undrafted representing Wesley Ward. However, this race arguably revolves around this year’s Duke Of York Clipper where Magical Memory ran out the winner. He had Suedois (2nd), Twilight Son (5th) and Mattmu (8th) behind that day and the only one I can see reversing that form is Twilight Son but the price is all wrong so I’m won’t be playing.
5.00: Wokingham Handicap
Get the pin out! Seriously though, I wanted to be on the side of Buckstay who goes well here and loves big field handicaps. He still looks to be on a winning mark and should run very well but his draw in 1 is a worry so I’ll happy to sit back and watch.
5.35: Queen Alexandra Stakes
The last race of the week and the longest at over 2 miles 5 furlongs. 20 runners in a marathon isn’t my idea of punting heaven so, by this time, I’ll be putting my feet up and thinking of a short break! Clondaw Warrior for those who want one final bet.
