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. Whose today’s NAP? Find out below.
Big Fast Bet
NAP: King Charles III Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Big Evs @ 4/1 (General)
One horse who is an out an out sprinter is Big Evs. He’s currently on a four race winning streak after making light work of the Westow field at York in May. Despite him jumping from Listed to Group One, he is a British Group winner and a Breeders’ Cup winner too. Plus he ran at the Royal meeting last year when he blitzed a 20 runner two-year-old field by three lengths. If anyone can do it, it’s Big Evs.
Royal Honour
E/W Bet: Coventry Stakes (Group Two) – Symbol Of Honour @ 16/1 (William Hill)
It looks a very competitive renewal of the Coventry, with plenty of horses with a shout all through the market. Look out for those who have been impressive on firm ground, which includes Symbol Of Honour. A couple of horses have backed up the form, including first choice from the owners Al Qudra. However, Symbol Of Honour caught the eye at Lingfield and a firm six furlongs will suit him to a T. He’s drawn near the rail which is an added bonus.
No Catching The Rat Catcher
Handicap Best: Ascot Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Pied Piper @ 8/1 (William Hill)
It’s a jumper’s summer paradise, which can create Cheltenham winners into Royal Ascot champions. Pied Piper is hoping to fit into that bracket. It’s clear he’ll get the distance and prefers firmer ground when going in the winter. He only finished three-quarters of a length down in the Cesarewitch in September which is a massive plus in my book and doesn’t seem to be that affected by the handicapper raising him four pounds.
Another firm going jumper is Nusret. He won a Race To The Ebor race last Summer, but was hugely disappointing in the Irish Cesarewitch, due to soft ground. But his run at Punchestown over hurdles gave some promise and it’s clear that Joseph O’Brien will have aimed this horse here. He has a nice weight on his back, and loves going right-handed. Nice each-way chance at 16/1 (William Hill).
Only Master Milliner has a really good liking for firm ground. He wasn’t great in the 2022 Queen Alexandra, but the proceeded to double up, including winning the Goodwood handicap. Hasn’t been seen since the back end of 2022, though it’s worth-noting why Emma Lavelle has decided he should reappear here. Big ask at 66/1 (General).
Selections:
14:30 – Queen Anne Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Big Rock @ 13/2 (William Hill), Docklands e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill, Unibet, Boylesports)
15:05 – Coventry Stakes (Group Two) – Catalyse @ 12/1 (William Hill), SYMBOL OF HONOUR E/W @ 16/1 (William Hill)
15:45 – King Charles III (GROUP ONE) – BIG EVS (NAP) @ 4/1 (General)
16:25 – St James’s Palace Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Rosallion @ 4/1 (William Hill, Unibet, Boylesports), Alyanaabi e/w @ 20/1 (Boylesports)
17:05 – Ascot Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – PIED PIPER (HB) @ 8/1 (William Hill), Nusret e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill), Master Milliner e/w @ 66/1 (General)
17:40 – Wolfreton Stakes (Listed) – Israr @ 7/2 (General), Astro King e/w @ 11/1 (Betfred, Boylesports), Checkandchallenge e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)
18:15 – Copper Horse Handicap – Belloccio @ 100/30 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred), Alsakib e/w @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Beamish e/w @ 25/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)
Best of Luck!
