It’s time for the fanciest, fabulous and glamorous week of the year. Royal Ascot returns for the midsummer event of the season. Some big names take to the track to battle it out in front of royalty, dignitaries and punters alike. Who is today’s NAP? Find out below.
Royal Redemption
NAP: Coronation Stakes (Group Two) – Ramatuelle @ 9/2 (BetVictor)
The form of the English 1000 Guineas gets its big test today. The 1-2-3 from the race turn up here, and I’m siding with the unlucky loser of the trio. Ramatuelle did everything right bar win, and was squeezed out on both sides by Porta Fortuna and Elmalka. I think Elmalka is still a bit too inexperienced and will get found out today, Porta Fortuna will want the pace to be quick and I’m still not convinced by Opera Singer’s credentials. Oisin Murphy is having a good week and it makes sense the trainer Christopher Head has booked him.
French Fancy
E/W Bet: King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two) – Calandagan @ 14/1 (William Hill)
This looks like one of the trickiest races to decipher at the Royal meeting this week. Usually a top class race filled with Epsom Derby would-be’s. It makes sense to look for one with a nice price, and I think Calandagan has been unfairly treated. He’s been acting well this season, winning two Group Three’s, but missed the Prix du Jockey Club and elected to come to Royal Ascot instead. Despite racing, and winning, most of his races on French heavy ground, he should be able to handle the firmer conditions through his sire Gleneagles. Voyage, who was technically first past the post in the Derby, is my win bet for the race.
Diamond In The Rough
Handicap Best: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) – Ethical Diamond @ 5/2 (William Hill)
When Mullins and Moore team up, the stars align. And Ethical Diamond seems to be well-handicapped in this particular contest. His previous flat race saw him nosed off for second by Saturn at Leopardstown. The form from the handicap has since been boosted by both the winner and the third, so has no excuses for a poor showing. He also handles better ground, which may be the reason why his hurdling career didn’t quite go to plan over the Winter.
Shadow Dance comes into this race fresh. Which to some may be a help, rather than a hinderance. Last time we saw him was back in October, beaten half-a-length by Alsakib in the Old Rowley Cup. Despite a five pound rise in the weights, he seems fairly treated by the handicapper. And a wide stall is another positive when coming down the hill at Ascot. 7/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).
Deakin is another horse I really respect. A liking for firm ground, and comes into the race off the back of some good performances. He has been raised nearly 20 pounds since his win back in September but has not felt a big pinch by the handicapper when beaten by a neck at the Curragh last time out. Distance winner, ground preference and an outside stall puts him at a nice price of 15/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports).
Selections:
14:30 – Albany Stakes (Group Three) – Fairy Godmother @ 15/8 (William Hill)
15:05 – Commonwealth Cup (GROUP ONE) – Jasour @ 5/1 (William Hill), Starlust e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill)
15:45 – Coronation Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Ramatuelle @ 9/2 (BetVictor), Rouhiya e/w @ 11/1 (General)
16:25 – Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes – Ethical Diamond (HB) @ 5/2 (William Hill), Shadow Dance e/w @ 7/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Deakin e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)
17:05 – Sandringham Stakes – Indelible @ 9/2 (William Hill), Forever Blue e/w @ 12/1 (Boylesports), Asian Daze e/w @ 25/1 (William Hill)
17:40 – King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two) – Voyage @ 9/1 (General), Calandagan (E/W) @ 14/1 (William Hill)
18:15 – Palace Of Holyrood House Stakes – Vantheman @ 8/1 (Betfred), Mukaafah e/w @ 11/1 (William Hill), Pilgrim e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)
Best of Luck!
