We are splitting our Royal Ascot previews into three for the middle day of the meeting as the big race of the day, the Ascot Gold Cup, deserves a billing all of its own as the stayers take to the track in what looks like a decent renewal of the feature race. Read on for our full preview of the iconic offering on Day 3 of the big meeting.
Special Offer
Open up an account with Betway before the Gold Cup runs on Thursday and get a MASSIVE 66/1 on Stradivarius to win the race again! He is currently only 6/5! Huge offer! Click the image below for these enhanced odds. 18+ T&Cs apply
Favourites
The big race of Day 3 in the Ascot Gold Cup. This is a race for the stayers, a Group 1 over 2 miles 4 furlongs.
There are 11 runners looking to land this one with the field headed by last year’s winner Stradivarius. Trained by John Gosden & ridden by Frankie Dettori, he’s won his last 6 races and always seems to do enough. Soft ground is a slight worry but he’s a worthy champ and will be hard to dethrone. That said, I’m not one for taking such a short price.
The 2nd favourite is Godolphin’s runner Cross Counter and he definitely looks a little short in the market too. After racing predominantly at 1 mile 4 furlongs, he was stepped up in trip to 2 miles where he won the Melbourne Cup and then the Dubai World Cup. The big question mark is whether he’ll stay the additional 4 furlongs.
Contenders
Mark Johnston’s hope is Dee Ex Bee and he looks to hold a solid chance. He’s double the price of Cross Counter and has followed a similar path by winning both his races since stepping up to 2 miles, landing both the Sagaro Stakes (here at Ascot) and the Henry II. The only thing putting me off him as a value each way punt is the ground with all his best form on ground with firm in the description.
Aiden O’Brien runs 3 with Flag Of Honour seemingly his number 1 hope but he’s been the pacemaker for Magical on each start this season and doesn’t look to hold obvious claims. That said, let’s not forget what happened to Circus Maximus in the St James Palace when tried over a different trip. The French challenger Called To The Bar only brings average form to the table and probably won’t stay.
Special Offer
Betting on Stradivarius to win the big race but not yet got an 888sport account? Open one up before the race to get a huge 10/1 on him and Frankie coming home in front! Click the image below for the 10/1 price. New accounts only. 18+ T&Cs apply.
Betting
The approach in this race is to take 2 at bigger prices in the market without the favourite. The first is Ian Williams’ Magic Circle. The trainer has had 2 runners at the meeting so far this year and they finished 1st and 3rd in the big staying handicap so it’s clear his horses are fit and ready.
He won the Chester Cup and Henry II last year but then broke a blood vessel when well fancied in the Melbourne Cup. His reappearance was no great shakes in the Ormonde at Chester over an inadequate trip. He must improve but I fancy he will do and there are no stamina or ground doubts.
Thomas Hobson, from the Willie Mullins yard, is the 2nd selection and he’s a 9 year old that brings good flat form to the table. He goes well at Ascot, having won at this meeting 2 years ago and twice finishing 2nd in just 4 runs at the track. His only blemish was when 6th last year in the Queen Alexandra but that was on firm ground and he got a troubled run when trapped at a crucial stage. He was subsequently eased.
He was just 1 length behind Stradivarius here last October on soft in a strange race and whilst he’s unlikely to turn the tables, it’s still good form nevertheless. Last term he won the Doncaster Cup over 2 miles 2 furlongs on easy ground so comes here as a confirmed stayer who will like any ease in the ground.
Tips
Back Magic Circle (e/w) in the ‘without Stradivarius’ market for a 0.75/10 stake at 12.00 Bet365 (⅕ odds 1-3)
Back Thomas Hobson (e/w) in the ‘without Stradivarius’ market for a 0.75/10 stake at 12.00 Bet365 (⅕ odds 1-3)
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019
