Best Of Bets

Tag: Highfield Princess

  • Four To Follow: Curragh Champions

    Four To Follow: Curragh Champions

    It’s the turn of the future stars of the track at the Curragh today, as Day Two of the Irish Champions Festival dawns upon us. Two heavyweights of the O’Brien stable tussle each other in the National Stakes, whilst it looks a bit more open in the Moyglare. Here’s a Sunday Special of Four to Follow.

     

    Power Over Princess

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    2:55 – Flying Five Stakes (Group One) – Art Power @ 5/1 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    For some time on Best Of Bets, Highfield Princess has been the go-to horse for us. The story, the speed, all of it she’s been a revelation of the sprinting world. But she’s been hitting the frame this year, and I’m more interested in winners and that leads me to Art Power. Unbeaten at the Curragh, that course form is significant above the other horses.

    He’s five from five, and has performed at Group One level too, his best performance was finishing third in the 2021 Diamond Jubilee. With all that in mind, and with Highfield Princess just not cutting the mustard in three Group One’s this season, Art Power is the perfect Curragh champion.

     

    Fortuna Favours The Brave

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    3:25 – Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group One) – Porta Fortuna @ 13/2 (888Sport, BetVictor, BetUK)

    Ylang Ylang is all the talk, but looking on her performance in the Silver Flash didn’t look as convincing as it might have seen. She made all but Vespertillo was closing all the time, and without pace in the race Yland Ylang is vulnerable. Porta Fortuna isn’t.

    A Royal Ascot winner, beating Matrika who won the Airlie Stud Stakes next time out, she finished well behind the colt Bucanero Fuerte in the Phoenix Stakes. Stepping up in trip will be beneficial, and with no boys to face she may have an easier task. Frankie Dettori is always an eye-catching booking, and won’t want to leave Ireland empty handed.

     

    Fuerte To Forte

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    4:00 – Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group One) – Bucanero Fuerte @ 9/2 (888Sport)

    Who is the only Group One winner in the field? Bucanero Fuerte. Who won by four lengths in a Group One? Bucanero Fuerte. Who is massively overpriced for the race? Bucanero Fuerte. For me he holds all the aces. Even if Aidan O’Brien has two fantastic looking two-year-olds, according to Seamie Heffernan, they’re not. To accentuate my point further, O’Brien hasn’t won this race since Churchill back in 2016. The fact that a Group One winning two-year-old is bigger 3/1 makes no sense to me. It’ll be a fascinating race nonetheless.

     

    King Of The Curragh

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    4:35 – Irish St. Leger (Group One) – Kyprios @ 11/8 (William Hill)

    We’ve missed Kyprios this year in the staying division. His talents last season were incredible, and there seems to be a void needing to be filled this year. Courage Mon Amis never came on from the Ascot Gold Cup, and we’ve had a lack of dominance. But the return for Kyprios heralds a return to normality, and even at 90% he can put his stablemate Emily Dickinson into submission. Aidan O’Brien might have a great crop of two-year-olds, but he has a shining jewel here, and Kyprios is back to defend his Irish St. Leger title the Curragh.

    The very best of luck!

  • York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    Some big winners yesterday, with Marhaba The Champ and Coltrane in the first two races. Highfield Princess just couldn’t catch Live In The Dream, and the gamble failed on Kevin Ryan’s two-year-old. But today’s a new day, and we aim to end on a high. Some interesting handicaps, plus the returns of Kinross in the City Of York Stakes.

     

    A Frankie Flourish

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    NAP: City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    Kinross is starting to get into the swing of things once again. That Lennox Stakes win proved that he is the best top-class seven furlong specialist, even if Isaac Shelby posed a threat. But last year he produced his most eye-catching win on the Knavesmire before snaffling Europe’s big prizes over 1400 metres. Trainer Ralph Beckett has said that he suits York, and the similar firm conditions won’t be a problem, much like last year. It will be a perfect send-off for one Llanfranco Dettori at one of his favourite meetings, aboard, surely, one of his favourite horses.

     

    From South To North

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    E/W Bet: Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Chichester @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Nostrum is the pick, but Chichester is intriguing. Trawling through the form of each of the six runners that enjoys the firmer ground, with three wins on it in his career. And with some handicappers coming into the race, Chichester can improve on his Listed win over C&D in June, when winning by almost two lengths. He has the Group form and the ground and he could sneak a surprise second, not the first at York this week.

     

    Going for Hat Trick Gold

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    Handicap Best: Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold @ 8/1 (General)

    Six furlong sprints are what it’s all about at York. And Aberama Gold knows all about it. In a breakout year he’s won a class two handicap by a neck, and then the Stewards’ Cup. Manila Scouse has backed up the form twice, disappointing earlier in the week however, and has claimer on board to take the heavy five pound rise in the weights down to a mere two. There has been no bias in the draw, if slightly mid-to-high, and can do the business of the rail from stall one.

    The Green Man finished third to Aberama Gold at York a month ago and has been kept fresh for the race by trainer Joseph Parr. A winner on firm ground lower down in the classes, he produced a career best with Danny Muscett on board to finish within two lengths of the winner. With the form backed up, and a five pound claimer who knows the horse well, expect the green man to cross the line in the places at 10/1 (General)

    And spare a thought for Anthem National who pulled out of the Great St. Wilfrid due to the soft ground. But at least we know he should get the ground here. Second last time out to Commanche Falls, who followed up again at Newbury, he shouldn’t be discounted just because he’s running for Philip Kirby for the first time. He can outrun his odds at 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Nostrum @ 11/10 (Betfred), Chichester (E/W) @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    14:25 – Melrose H’cap (Heritage) – Lordship @ 4/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Vaguely Royal @ 11/1 (888Sport, BetVictor), Fox Journey @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross (NAP) @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    15:35 – Ebor H’cap (Heritage) – Live Your Dream @ 10/1 (General), Adjuvant @ 12/1 (Boylesports, BetUK), Berkshire Rocco @ 25/1 (Boylesports)

    16:10 – Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold (HB) @ 8/1 (General), The Green Man @ 10/1 (General), Anthem National @ 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Purosangue @ 7/4 (General)

    17:20 – Finale H’cap (Heritage) – Astro King @ 6/1 (888Sport, BetVictor, Betfred), Killybegs Warrior @ 16/1 (General), Marie’s Diamond @ 40/1 (BetVictor, Unibet, Betfred)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival Day Three: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Three: Selections and Naps

    Keeping the winning momentum at this week’s Ebor meeting, with three winners yesterday. Relief Rally and Warm Heart tipped up in both the NAP and E/W bet landed. Sea Theme made it three in the selections column. Day Three is Fab Friday and the Princess of speed returns to her home track. Is the Nunthorpe going to be hers once again?

    Nunthorpe Nap

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    NAP: Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One) – Highfield Princess @ 6/4 (General)

    Instead of being the winning machine, it took Highfield Princess a few go’s to hit top level. And at Goodwood she did, in some style. This is a race she was always going to come to, given her Yorkshire connections, and she won last year’s race on similar conditions with plenty in hand. Bradsell is her chief rival, and has been given a break since Royal Ascot. But, on previous form this is the part of the season where she begins to shine.

    A Fifth Crack

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    E/W Bet: Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Jehangeer @ 14/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Today we could see a big gamble on Jehangeer. Already been backed in from 33/1 on Thursday, someone knows something about this son of Kodiac and brother to Hello Youmzain. His breeding shows he will like the firm ground, and his form from his last Ayr maiden looks positive too. James Doyle has already bagged a big race at the Ebor Festival yesterday, and Kevin Ryan has picked up a prize too. Ryan has also won this race four times, and if he thinks this horse can make the massive step from class six maiden to Group Two winner, then he has every chance.

    Moore The Champ

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    Handicap Best: Sky Bet H’cap (Heritage) – Marhaba The Champ @ 11/1 (888Sport)

    Marhaba The Champs’ last win came at York in May, on firm ground. He’s just a pound higher than that mark today. Granted, he hasn’t always turned up for his races this season. He steps to a mile-and-a-half which looks a positive on evidence of his win at York earlier in the season. Again Kevin Ryan loves a winner at York, no less the Ebor Festival and he should be in top nick for today.

    Bague D’or is intriguing. Only one five-year-old has won in the last ten years, and was recently too. He’s been off the track since Glorious Goodwood 2022, when he finished behind the Ebor winner Trawlerman. It’s his first run under James Ferguson, and handles both the firm ground and the trip. His mark hasn’t changed since last year, but that’s worked out the handicapping of the race. 9/1 (Betfred, BetUK) is a good price for a horse with a big layoff.

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Sky Bet H’cap (Heritage) – Marhaba The Champ @ 11/1 (888Sport), Bague D’or @ 9/1 (Betfred, BetUK)

    14:25 – Yorkshire Cup (Group Two) – Coltrane @ 11/4 (William Hill), Giavellotto @ 7/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    15:00 – Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Kings Gamble @ 8/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Jehangeer (E/W) @ 14/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    15:35 – Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One) – Highfield Princess (NAP) @ 6/4 (General)

    16:10 – Fillies’ H’cap (Heritage) – Sirona @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    16:45 – Convivial Maiden Stakes – Castle In The Sand @ 10/1 (888Sport), Sisphyean @ 9/1 (General)

    17:20 – 3-Y-O Mile Handicap (Heritage) – Bajan Bandit @ 15/2 (888Sport, BetVictor), Glenfinnan @ 9/1 (General)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2023 | Highfield Princess eyes Nunthorpe revenge

    Ebor Festival 2023 | Highfield Princess eyes Nunthorpe revenge

    Highfield Princess. Without a shadow of a doubt the story of the 2022 flat season.

    However, before a return to winning ways in the Qatar Stakes at Goodwood earlier this month, the tale of the turf for this term had not been as glowing.

    That is not to say the performances haven’t been there, in a season, with more unpredictable ground than that of the average Christopher Nolan screenplay.

    Returning to the Knavesmire this week to defend her Coolmore Wooton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes crown, the French mare can become only the third horse to retain since the turn of the millennium.

    Not only that, but as a runner-up to 33/1 shot Bradsell in the Kings Stand, this week, the Princess has the chance for revenge.

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    A Royal turn-up

    During a Royal Ascot that threw up many a huge-price winner in June, Bradsell’s stunning win at the Royal Meeting was only second in sensation to Khaadem’s 80/1 Jubilee Stakes heroics.

    All three are present here; Highfield Princess was bridesmaid in both.

    A third Ebor Festival for the popular 6yo, the Nunthorpe represents the chance for a measure of retribution.

    Bradsell will be significantly shorter here and the early antepost has a literal two-horse race on the cards.

    Or at least, it did.

     

    Evs better than Evens

    A late entry after being supplemented, Big Evs could throw a major spanner in the works.

    The plucky 2yo colt of Mick Appleby has burst onto the scene in the past few months.

    After winning a Listed contest, he then won a first Group race last time out, claiming the Molecomb at Glorious Goodwood earlier this month.

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    However, this is the big step-up.

    His Windsor Castle Stakes 20/1 glory at Royal Ascot was an emotional occasion for connections.

    A horse named in memory of close friend Paul Evans who passed away last year, ‘Big Evs’ was a regular with Appleby and co. at racecourses around the country.

    Over a 5f dash and in stronger company, Big Evs’ 6/1 price looks interesting, but can he challenge?

     

    Khaadem lurks; vintage Fine Wine?

    As documented, Khaadem adds a little bit of spice to proceedings in the Nunthorpe.

    Interestingly, Charlie Hills’ relative 7yo veteran was fourth to Highfield Princess in this very contest 12 months back.

    Of further intrigue, Jamie Spencer jumps back in the saddle; the jockey is one of only seven to have notched a win with Khaadem since last year’s Ebor Festival – the Jubilee Stakes.

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    Before the trip to the Knavesmire last year, Khaadem won the King George Qatar Stakes and the Palace House at Newmarket.

    Both were on either good or good to soft ground. All points are worth consideration.

    At the very bottom of the betting, Scott Dixon’s Fine Wine has been dismissed out of hand having gone over a year without a win on turf.

    His last win however, was at York over both course and distance. Is 33/1 worth an e/w punt?

  • Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood – Day Four

    Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood – Day Four

    We’ve had some bad luck in the past couple of days. But now we know; the ground will be soft on Friday, and yesterday’s racing showed where the better ground is. Blue Rose Cen couldn’t find a gap as all the jockeys poured to the far side rail to deny her a British Group One. But that was yesterday, and today we are back, with four more at Goodwood.

     

    SITTIN’ ON THE DOCK

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    2:25 – Thoroughbred Stakes (Group Three) – Docklands @ 9/2 (General)

    Docklands has been on an upwards trajectory this season. Winning the Brittania at Royal Ascot meant he climbed up the weights again and now finds himself in group company. However, it was over soft ground where he made his biggest impact, winning by six-and-a-half lengths at Ascot in May.

    And he won’t mind the sharpness of the Goodwood track, having conquered Kempton and lost by a neck at Haydock as a two-year-old. With Nostrum odds-on, and he has never raced on ground softer than good, he makes perfect sense.

    Keep an eye on Jessie Harrington’s Bold Discovery in stall four, as he has performed well at similar levels on soft/heavy ground over in Ireland, and 14/1 (General) looks too big of a price.

     

    WE’VE GONE AWAAL

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    3:00 – Golden Mile H’cap (Heritage H’cap) – Awaal @ 11/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Simon & Ed Crisford have had a very quiet season, but they’ve a well-handicapped runner here. Awaal has a great record on soft/heavy ground, running in second in the Lincoln in March. He then went on to finish third in his next two British races, and now has a useful claimer on board in Harry Davies. Cheeckpieces are on him for the first time, which will sharpen him up and give him a solid chance, if he can overcome stall 12 and get to the far side in the straight.

    David O’Meara has a great record in the Golden Mile, winning two out of the last three. And he is determined to keep that record going with six runners in the race. The one I’m siding with is Bopedro. He’s been racing over seven furlongs in the first half of the season, but steps up to a mile when the ground has got softer. His mark of 100 might not be a winning one, but conditions are suitable for him to be up there at the finish, and a solid each-way chance at 20/1 (Boylesports).

    There’s also some chance for Johan, making his seasonal reappearance. It seems the conditions haven’t been ideal for him, and now William Haggas has felt the time is right. Whilst Lattam takes the limelight, Johan could run similar to his 2022 Lincoln win which came off a pound lower than his mark today. 28/1 (William Hill) is a steal of a price.

     

    THE GOODWOOD SPRINT QUEEN

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    3:35 – King George Qatar Stakes (Group Two) – Highfield Princess @ 10/11 (General)

    Highfield Princess is a top quality horse. But she hasn’t been showing it on bare form. But she was unlucky up at York, and both runs at Ascot. The drop down in class will help, and the soft ground won’t be a problem to her. She’s drawn near the pace in stall three, with Ponntos in stall five. With Highfield Princess drawn near towards where the better ground may be, she has fantastic chance to get her first win of the season.

    Keep an eye out for Nymphadora, who is improving all the time, and showed her class at Sandown. Soft ground won’t be a problem, and can make a good step up in class and keep improving. 16/1 (BetVictor, BetUK) is a cracking price.

     

    SCOTCH IN SUSSEX

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    4:10 – L’Ormarins King’s Plate Glorious Stakes (Group Three) – Hamish @ 4/5 (General)

    Hamish avoided the clash of the generations last week, and has opted to come here. Which gives him a much better chance, and his ideal conditions. Hopefully it won’t be long before we see him step up to Group Two’s and One’s later this season.

    Finishing in behind him, Epictetus has got first time cheeckpieces on, and should relish this lower grade, and softer conditions are good to him, even though he ran a stellar race at York on good-to-firm.

    And Epic Poet was a consistent runner in France, before moving to Freddie and Martyn Meade’s. His run at Newbury was a bit of blow out, but could bounce back over a further trip on soft ground and a sharper test at Goodwood.

    Those three could make a valuable tricast.

    The very best of luck!

     

  • Qatar Goodwood Festival 2023: The favourites

     

    Royal Ascot, done. July Festival, in the books. It’s time for Glorious Goodwood!

    As flat season enters August, hot on the heels of an all-time classic King George VI renewal at Ascot, this week, West Sussex gets its turn in the spotlight.

    With five days of action and 37 races on the card, three Group 1 contests are on the slate.

    But just where will the money be this week?

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    Brit Courage – 5/2 Betfred

    In the opening day’s main event, the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup takes the spotlight and Courage Mon Ami is the bookies’ favourite.

    But only just.

    Now unbeaten in four, the 4yo gelding sprung a relative upset to win the Ascot Gold Cup at 15/2, edging Coltrane by just under a length.

    The latter was fourth in this contest last year – behind the still absent Kyprios – and the duo lock horns once more over the shorter trip.

    Perhaps the only slight caveat this week for the mount of Frankie Dettori lies in this summer’s unpredictable weather.

    Ascot’s turf this past weekend had a little more juice in it, but was still close to good to soft and will likely be for the off on Tuesday.

    Courage Mon Ami’s two wins since gelding have both been on firmer ground – including at Goodwood in May.

    In conclusion, Coltrane and potentially Eldar Eldarov could push, but this contender should have enough courage, my friend.

     

    Perfect Paddington – 8/15 William Hill

    Never mind marmalade sandwiches, it’s been caviar on a plate from the magical Paddington.

    The 3yo goes for an astonishing seventh win in-a-row in Wednesday’s Sussex Stakes.

    Unbeaten since an Ascot debut last September, Aidan O’Brien’s colt has become the toast of Ballymore.

    Such is the calibre of the son of Siyouni, Paddington is no one-trick pony; he’s won in all conditions.

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    His last outing on the softer turf saw victory in the Coolmore at the Curragh at the start of May, and though amongst stronger company looks the overwhelming favourite.

    Indeed, perhaps only Inspiral – Frankie’s other main hope this week – could hold a candle.

    The only question now is, just when might his winning streak end?

    At 2/5, that is unlikely to be this week; Paddington is poised to make it super seven.

     

    GNashing of teeth – 2/1 BoyleSports

    Moving on, Nashwa then looks to become the first horse since Midday to defend the Nassau Stakes.

    Storming back to victory in last month’s Falmouth Stakes, Hollie Doyle rode the filly’s first win since that last trip to Goodwood 12 months back.

    Fending off Richard Hannon’s whopping 40/1 shot Aristia, rain might be a slight concern for John and Thady Gosden.

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    However, Nashwa still has a decent record in said conditions, with a win in France last summer.

    The youngster’s main challenge looks to come from the unbeaten-in-five Blue Rose Cen.

    It is worth considering though, having not run since late June, all five wins for the Irish girl have been on French soil.

    And, with the bit between her teeth, we’re anticipating another gutsy outing from Nashwa.

     

    Prancing Princess – 11/8 William Hill

    As we complete our look at the big names, is this finally the week Highfield Princess re-asserts her authority?

    Lining up in the King George Qatar Stakes, the Yorkshire-based French wonder is yet to win this season, but the effort is there.

    Putting on a much-improved showing in this year’s Jubilee Stakes, the Princess was nonetheless forced to watch Khaadem romp to a stunning victory.

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    Before that, runners-up in the Kings Stand and the Clipper Stakes at York have come this season but so far, the pieces have not quite fallen.

    That could be about to change at Goodwood.

    Having been third in the 2021 Whispering Oak, her last win came on the soft at the Curragh last September.

    Over the same 5f trip, Highfield Princess is currently a full 7pts up in the markets over her rivals.

    Following on from a decent weekend at Ascot for Jason Hart, this will surely be the return to winning ways for this glorious mare.

  • Royal Ascot Day One: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot Day One: Selections and Naps

    It’s that time of year. The sun is shining, the suits are hired, it must be Royal Ascot. Top hats galore and top-class action from all around the world. Australia and America join in today, along with British and Irish. Day One is set to be a cracker. Here are my selections and naps for the one of the best meetings of the Summer.

    Scroll down for Selections on all seven races, live on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.

    PADDINGTON TO BEAR THE BRUNT

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    NAP: St James’s Palace Stakes (GROUP ONE) – PADDINGTON @ 5/2 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    There are many races this week which punters are saying are ‘the races of the week’. This is one of them, with the English and Irish Guineas winners facing off. Chaldean is 3lbs higher than his Irish counter-part, 119 to 116. But there is one thing that lets the Frankel colt down. The draw. Since the turn of the millennium, four winners have come from stall one. Many horses are boxed in on the rail and haven’t room to move. Paddington is drawn wide in eight, and if he can get a better start he had in the Irish Guineas, he’ll be hard to get past. Read more on his chances on Best Of Bets.

    Keep an eye out for Indestructible, the Craven winner. He’s already tipped up on Best of Bets, and he isn’t without hope. He underperformed in the English Guineas but has been kept fresh for this race. Firm ground will suit him, given he won by five-and-a-half lengths as a two-year-old on the surface, and a good outside draw in stall nine. 50/1 (General) seems overpriced.

    And don’t discount Isaac Shelby, who’s a decent each-way price of 9/1 (General). He won the Greenham Stakes, where Chaldean unseated. He almost made up for it when narrowly losing in the French Guineas. The ground will be a little firmer, and could go well, with a half-decent draw in stall three.

    PERFECT STORM IN THE COVENTRY

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    E/W BET: Coventry Stakes (Group Two) – Cuban Thunder @ 50/1 (Betfred, William Hill)

    I feel Cuban Thunder is overlooked. He’s experienced enough with two races under his belt, including a win last time out, which came in the Frank Whittle Partnership Conditions Stakes. Lusail, Repartee and Queen Olly are recent winners of the race who haven’t had bad careers since then. Dominic Ffrench Davis has a good record when prepping Amo Racing’s two-year-olds. Kevin Stott has chosen to ride Bucanero Fuerte, but Rossa Ryan isn’t a bad substitute. Stand-side draw might be where the winners come on the straight course this week, worth to keep an eye on.

    MOORE AND MULLINS TO BRING IT

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    Handicap Best: Ascot Stakes (Heritage Handicap) – Bring On The Night @ 9/4 (Unibet, Betfred, William Hill)

    Willie Mullins is operating at a 57% strike rate. Over the jumps, in the off season. He’s a genius. He has a good record at the Royal meeting as well with four winners in this race. Those four winners came in a period of six years between 2012 – 2018. Ryan Moore was on three of them. Moore is currently operating at a 33% strike rate and has also won leading rider at Royal Ascot nine times. Bring On The Night has been raised 4lbs since last year’s second, and hasn’t been seen since. Bring on the Ascot Stakes I say!

    Keep an eye out for Themaxwecan who loves the firmer ground. He raced in last year’s race, finishing midfield off a mark of 97. After that race he went and won a race at Ascot over two miles on firm ground with Jamie Spencer on board. This time he’s 92, 5lbs lower than last year’s mark. He hasn’t got a great record over two miles, but with a good mark and good conditions he could certainly get a place at 40/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    14:30 – Queen Anne Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Modern Games @ 9/4 (Unibet, William Hill), Chindit e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)
    15:05 – Coventry Stakes (Group Two) – Givemethebeatboys @ 4/1 (Unibet, William Hill, BetUK), CUBAN THUNDER E/W @ 50/1 (Betfred, William Hill)
    15:40 – King’s Stand Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Highfield Princess @ 5/2 (Unibet), Twilight Gleaming e/w @ 25/1 (Boylesports)

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    16:20 – St James’s Palace Stakes (GROUP ONE) – PADDINGTON (NAP) @ 5/2 (William Hill, BetVictor), Indestructible e/w @ 50/1 (General)
    17:00 – Ascot Stakes (Heritage H’cap) BRING ON THE NIGHT @ 9/4 (Unibet, Betfred, William Hill), Themaxwecan e/w @ 40/1 (General)
    17:35 – Wolfreton Stakes (Listed) – Francesco Clemente @ 11/2 (Betfred, BetVictor)
    18:10 – Copper Horse Handicap – Absurde @ 6/1 (Betfred)

    The very best of luck!

  • The Royal Ascot Treble: Highfield Princess

    The Royal Ascot Treble: Highfield Princess

     

    As the hours tick down to this year’s Royal Ascot, the withdrawal of Desert Crown through injury has put a dampener on proceedings.

    So without the potential star of the show, who else could fill the hooves of Sir Michael Stoute’s colt?

    Highfield Princess would appear a prime candidate in The King’s Stand.

     

    Princess to Queen

    As we have said on many, many occasions, Highfield Princess may just be our favourite horse around right now.

    What a mare she is.

    The French phenom has transitioned effortlessly from spritely youngster to filly and now a 6yo pro.

    Last year was her own.

    Winning five of seven contests, it was victory at Newcastle last April however, that kick-started a run of dominance.

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    Taking the Duke of York at the Dante Meeting, Highfield Princess lined up in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes with strong hopes.

    But as Naval Crown stormed home at a massive 33/1, the Princess was not on song.

    Then going on to seal three wins on the trot, a trip to Keeneland for the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint ended her year in disappointment via an astonishing 43/1 ride by Caravel.

    Highfield Princess could console herself after a stunning season; but having lost out in the big two, there was a tinge of what might have been.

     

    Royal Ascot double

    Which makes a third trip to Royal Ascot this year all the more important.

    On her return run at York last month, many would’ve expected a win but to come runner-up whilst shedding the winter rust was no less impressive.

    After all, as statistics prove, Highfield Princess only gets better as the year goes on.

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    In her 12 career wins, only three have arrived in the first half of the calendar year.

    When it comes to Ascot, Highfield Princess has only won once in four outings, however, the win was the Buckingham Palace two years ago.

     

    Drama afoot?

    Highfield Princess will likely go off the marginal favourite, but the mare will be kept busy by a number of the fillies.

    Not least the shortest-price Australian raider, Coolangatta.

    On her first race away from home, the 3yo of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace comes here off a win at Flemington.

    In good to firm conditions, Coolangatta has five career wins and her last two wins have come over the same 5f trip.

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    Closer to home, Karl Burke will also be optimistic of his chances with last year’s Queen Mary victor, Dramatised.

    Runner-up in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf last November, the Irish youngster was an impressive winner of the Temple at Haydock last time out.

    Returning to another Australian hope, Cannonball will look to follow in the footsteps of the electric Nature Strip.

    Romping to victory in the King’s Stand 12 months ago, trainer Chris Waller was the toast of sprint racing on the other side of the world.

    This year, Peter and Paul Snowdon make the trip with genuine hopes on fast ground – provided significant rains do not come.

     

    After the King’s Stand 2023 had a dominant winner, this year’s edition should be a good deal closer.

    Highfield Princess had an off-day at Royal Ascot 12 months ago, but having planned for this very race, this classy lady could get her big win.

  • 2023 Dante Festival: BestBets at York

    2023 Dante Festival: BestBets at York

    Oh the Knavesmire in May, what a glorious sight.

    Yes, its Dante Festival time once more as the build-up to the next month’s Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot continues.

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    Three big Class 1 races headline three days of elite flat racing in York, with the Duke of York Clippers, the Middleton Fillies and the main event Dante Stakes the marquee attractions.

    We’ve taken a look at the form book, the prices, the jockeys, the trainers and the big names themselves and come up with one pick from each contest.

     

    Highfield Princess (1895 Duke of York Clipper Stakes, 6f)

    One of the big stars of the British flat season last term, we’re considering Highfield Princess a NAP in Wednesday’s Clippers Stakes.

    Having just turned 6yo, this majestic French mare has won five of the last six races on UK turf.

    Her only other loss last term came in the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint, but aside from that, the daughter of Night of Thunder has been imperious.

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    This will be her first venture out this season in prep for the bigger races and no doubt Royal Ascot, where Highfield Princess’ only recent loss on familiar soil came in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes last year.

    Pencilled in for the Kings’ Stand this year – with a possible heavyweight clash with Roger Varian and The Platinum Queen – Jason Hart will be eyeing a win on his trusty steed.

    Charlie Appleby will be keen to thwart, but at 7/2 with William Hill and with the ground set to be fast, this Princess is worthy of a decent flutter.

     

    Toskana Belle (Dubai Middleton Fillies’ Stakes, 1m2½f)

    Then, in Thursday’s stacked double feature, first, the Middleton Fillies Stakes looks a really competitive race, and attempting to find a winner, Toskana Belle is an interesting option.

    A fellow French fancy, this will be a first run out under new trainer Roger Varian, after winning half her contests in France and Germany under both Marian Falk Weissmeier and Andreas Wohler.

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    It will be interesting to see how Toskana Belle travels on UK debut, following a runner-up finish with Frankie Dettori last time out at Aqueduct over 1m3f.

    A little bit of a gamble at best price of 8/1 with PariMatch, the mount of David Egan could be the Belle of the Yorkshire Ball.

     

    Epictetus (Dubai Dante Stakes, 1m2½f)

    Turning to the main event Derby Trial, we are backing Frankie Dettori to have a final victory leap on the Knavesmire with Epictetus.

    With Flying Honours set to do battle with John and Thady Gosden, this is a precursor to the big one on The Downs in just over a fortnight’s time.

    As the 3yos clash, Epictetus has won two and finished second in the other two, but importantly comes into this with a win from Epsom late last month.

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    Having made an eye-catching debut in the Weatherbys Maiden Stakes during last summer’s July Festival at Newmarket, this horse now has to live up to the hype.

    A race won last year by Desert Crown, Dettori is seeking a third Dante win after Authorized in 2007 and most recently on Wings of Desire seven years ago.

    Having travelled in four contests to date all with differing conditions, there is a small element of doubt over Epictetus, but nevertheless, at 4/1 with BetUK could still look good value in the favourite’s spot.