Best Of Bets

Tag: ITV Racing

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Five: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Five: Selections and Naps

    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.

     

    Down The Royal River

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    NAP: Jersey Stakes (Group Three) – River Tiber @ 13/8 (Unibet, Boylesports)

    This year’s Jersey Stakes looks a very nice renewal. Haatem, recently purchased by high-flying Wathnan, drops grades and a furlong here. But I think River Tiber will suit over the specialist trip. He finished a good third behind Rosallion in the Irish 2000 Guineas, of which he backed up nicely on Tuesday. Another big plus for River Tiber is the fact that a few of last year’s Royal Ascot winners have won again this week and River Tiber can follow that trend for the evergreen duo of O’Brien and Moore.

     

    History Repeating

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    E/W Bet: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Khaadem @ 20/1 (William Hill)

    Dr Jim Hay said that both of his horses will run well in this race. Particularly Khaadem, who shocked Royal Ascot at 80/1. A few things haven’t gone right for him since. His run on firm ground was too short over five furlongs, and his runs over six haven’t come on the rattling ground he wants. Today, it’s déjà vu for Khaadem and the market haven’t caught on to it. Pace-wise, he looks like he’s on the wrong side, but he still can’t be ignored at a big price when conditions are in his favour.

     

    Three For The Sprint

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    Handicap Best: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Harry Three @ 9/1 (Unibet)

    Pace is everything in the Wokingham. And much like the Jubilee, it looks like the far side is where you want to be. Yet the better handicapped horses are over on the other side so it makes it a bit difficult when picking a horse in the shorter odds to back. Harry Three seems the better handicapped of the principles. In 2022 he achieved a hattrick of wins from May to July, but came unstuck on the worser ground towards the end of the season. He’s back on firm ground today and has dropped an astonishing six pounds in just two runs.

    Unequal Love sits where the pace is and comes into this race on a decent patch of form. She won her last handicap race at Pontefract before going into open company and winning at Newmarket at the start of the season. She didn’t run too badly at Group Two level at the Curragh last time out and drops back into handicap company. And, she can manage all types of ground which makes her value at 16/1 (Boylesports).

    Desert Cop is still relatively unexposed on firm ground. He has only one run on the fast ground in a big field handicap at Newmarket with a big weight on his back. He wasn’t great over seven furlongs last time, and has a note of inconsistency about him. He’s over on the far side, which makes him near the pace and has a nice weight on his back. Long shot of the race at 25/1 (Unibet).

     

    Selections:

    14:30 – Chesham Stakes (Listed) – Bedtime Story @ 15/8 (William Hill)

    15:05 – Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two) – Continuous @ 2/1 (Unibet), Isle Of Jura e/w @ 12/1 (Unibet)

    15:45 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Shartash @ 7/1 (Boylesports), Washington Heights e/w @ 12/1 (General), KHAADEM (E/W) @ 20/1 (William Hill)

    16:25 – Jersey Stakes (Group Three) – RIVER TIBER (NAP) @ 13/8 (Unibet, Boylesports)

    17:05 – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – HARRY THREE (HB) @ 9/1 (Unibet), Unequal Love e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports), Desert Cop e/w @ 25/1 (Unibet)

    17:40 – Golden Gates Stakes – Old Faithful @ 13/2 (Unibet, Betfred), Approval e/w @ 15/2 (Unibet, Betfred), Dambuster 14/1 e/w (General)

    18:15 – Queen Alexandra Stakes – Queenstown @ 3/1 (General), Uxmal e/w @ 7/1 (General)

     

    Best of Luck!

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Four: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Four: Selections and Naps

    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

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    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

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    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

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    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!

  • Royal Ascot Day 4 Tips | Dreaming of Albany success

    Royal Ascot Day 4 Tips | Dreaming of Albany success

    We’re over the hump as Royal Ascot Day 4 is upon us, and there’s no hiding from the fact that yesterday was tough.

    Stakes were reduced as I thought it was a tough day going into it, and that proved to be right as the four selections didn’t provide any profit.

    We’re still up for the week so far, but hopefully, we can get back on the right track today.

     

    2:30 Ascot – California Dreamer @ 18/1 with William Hill (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    It’s a small worry that California Dreamer is drifting in the Group 3 Albany Stakes, but if the two-year-old races have taught us anything this week, it’s that juveniles can drift in these markets and still win.

    The Mehmas filly has two runs under her belt having lost at Dundalk on debut when 4/7 and finished third to Fairy Godmother at Naas on her last start.

    On pure form, she is held by the Ballydoyle favourite, but David Egan probably made his move too soon on her when the cutaway opened up which set the race up for the late closers.

    They clocked 42mph and ran three sub-11-second furlongs between the five-furlong pole and the two-furlong pole, and the Amo Racing contender was the one who hit the front three furlongs from home.

    It’s Ascot, so they’re bound to go hard early, but the presence of Wesley Ward’s Burning Pride in stall four should give California Dreamer a nice tow into the race from stall three.

    If so, she has the pedigree to hand (her dam, Penelopa, won the Group 1 Preis Der Diana in 2013 on good ground) and she could outrun her odds.

     

    3:05 Ascot – Givemethebeatboys @ 16/1 with William Hill (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    With the absence of Vandeek and Bucanero Fuerte, the Commonwealth Cup is a wide-open contest, and Givemethebeatboys looks overpriced based on his strong pieces of form.

    The Bungle Inthejungle colt ran at the royal meeting last year and finished behind River Tiber (three-time Group 1 placed subsequently), Army Ethos, and Bucanero Fuerte (Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner subsequently).

    He was also ahead of Haatem who has placed in both the English and Irish Guineas this season.

    Following a good run after a 53-day break in the Phoenix Stakes, he put in a career-best effort when fourth to Vandeek in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes, form that looks solid as Starlust (5th) has won a Class 2 handicap off 105 subsequently.

    He defied a penalty to win first-time-out and then nearly beat Bucanero Fuerte in the Group 3 Lacken Stakes last month.

    Bucanero Fuerte was my idea of the Commonwealth Cup winner at an ante-post stage, so Givemethebeatboys’ form ties in nicely with him and he seemingly loves quick ground.

    Stall 14 is preferable over the lower draws in a race like this – which casts a small negative over the top of the market – and he has trained on from two to three.

    He looks like Jessica Harrington’s best chance of the week, so let’s hope he delivers for the team.

     

    3:45 Ascot – Ramatuelle @ 3/1 with BetVictor – 2pt Win

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    The Coronation Stakes is one of the best races of the week, and it’s the Newmarket 1000 Guineas fourth, Ramatuelle, that I like for this.

    Analysing her effort at the Rowley Mile, I’m not the first person to say that she got to the front too soon.

    Aurelien Lemaitre pushed his mount to the front three furlongs from home, and despite hitting an in-running price of 1.01, Elmalka and Porta Fortuna caught her late.

    Although I considered both of these runners as potential horses that could cause her issues, the form Christopher Head’s three-year-old filly by Justify has in the book is hard to ignore.

    On seasonal debut, she finished second to Romantic Style who was a close fourth in the French 1000 Guineas on her next start. Tamfana was also back in third who caught eye-catcher subsequently in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas and then finished third in the Group 1 Prix de Diane.

    As a two-year-old, she nearly beat Vandeek in the Group 1 Prix Morny (on ground that wasn’t preferable) and she also beat His Majesty by four lengths in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin.

    On her second career start, Beauvatier just got the better of her in a standard conditions race, but that form is better than some people realise and he ended the season by finishing third to Rosallion in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

    With a fast ground favouring pedigree (her dam, Raven’s Lady, won a firm ground race), the conditions at Ascot will suit and I think she might finally get her day in the sun today.

     

    5:05 Ascot – Soprano @ 16/1 with Boyle Sports (5 places) – 1pt EW

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    In what is my only handicap play of the day, I can see why Soprano has received a bit of market support over the last 24 hours.

    She has a mark of 100 to overcome, but that rating is on the lenient side for a horse of her quality as her form as a two-year-old is the best here.

    She finished a staying-on second from a slightly worse part of the track in last year’s Group 2 Albany Stakes and both Matrika and Porta Fortuna have franked the form subsequently.

    Furthermore, she chased home the very impressive Shuwari and Fallen Angel (Irish 1000 Guineas winner) in the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown before finishing second to Fallen Angel at Newmarket.

    Her form slightly tailed off towards the end of her campaign, but she did have six runs as a juvenile and her worst efforts came at the end of that season.

    As a three-year-old, she blew the cobwebs off at Chelmsford and then put in a good effort at Musselburgh at the start of the month.

    George Boughey has yet to land a winner this week, but she looks like one of his stronger chances of Royal Ascot and her draw in 18 is favourable.

     

    5:40 Ascot – Diego Velazquez @ 4/1 with William Hill (1.5pt Win) & Voyage @ 9/1 with William Hill (1pt EW) (4 places)

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    I’ve taken a slightly safe route into the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes as both Diego Velazquez and Voyage make plenty of appeal to me.

    Starting with the favourite, although he is a classic Ballydoyle ‘hype horse’, he’s starting to mature nicely and his form is arguably the best here.

    He beat Capulet on his second start who improved to win the Listed Dee Stakes this season (a race that got a form boost yesterday thanks to Jayarebe) and Deepone finished fourth who completed the season with a success in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes.

    There are excuses for his efforts in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes and Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club as the ground was heavy on both occasions and with his pedigree (Frankel half-brother to Broome), one can imagine fast ground suits him better.

    The form of his fourth in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas looks solid as Dancing Gemini (2nd) finished a good sixth in the Derby and Henry Longfellow (8th) chased home Rosallion in the St James’s Palace Stakes, so his 4/1 price looks more than fair.

    As for Voyage, I think he’s a little bit more unexposed than plenty in here with just that one official run under his belt.

    That came at Newbury where he won comfortably, though he got a nice runout when first past the post in the Epsom Derby having unshipped Pat Dobbs at the start.

    Considering his Manduro half-sister Plein Air and Majahid half-brother Close Your Eyes both won Listed races, his pedigree looks great, and he is by a better sire in Golden Horn.

    Therefore, I want to keep him on my side while also backing Diego Velazquez.

  • Royal Ascot Day 3 Tips | Musmak makes appeal

    Royal Ascot Day 3 Tips | Musmak makes appeal

    Royal Ascot Day 3 is here and so far, the week has gone well for the column.

    Tuesday kicked off with Israr and a 25/1 place returning profit and yesterday continued the good form thanks to Illinois, Running Lion, and EW profit on Rowayeh.

    Let’s hope the rest of the week is more of the same.

     

    5:05 Ascot – Cogitate @ 22/1 with BetVictor (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    Connections of Cogitate were probably sick when they saw stall one next to their horse’s name for the Brittania Stakes as if he had a better draw, he’d have a brilliant chance in this contest.

    The three-year-old by Churchill looked very good on debut at Newbury as he beat Boiling Point, now rated 107, by two lengths under Hollie Doyle who returns to the saddle.

    The form of that race looks strong as even the third, Maximum Dividend, was a head-second to Starlore on debut at Sandown coming into that Newbury contest.

    Cogitate disappointed at York in the Group 3 Acomb Stakes, but his seasonal return at Southwell when behind Karl Burke’s Night Raider was promising.

    Charlie Hills is looking forward to running Cogitate here, though he has a tough task from his draw. Still, his profile warrants a bet at the prices.

     

    5:40 Ascot – Al Musmak @ 18/1 with BetVictor (4 places)  – 1pt EW

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    The ‘forgiving hat’ provided success yesterday as Running Lion won the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes and I’m using it again today thanks to Al Musmak in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes.

    On his seasonal return, he was sent off 4/1 for the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York and finished seventh of seven, though trainer Roger Varian subsequently reported that “his bloods were off”.

    His last run is therefore excused and based on his two-year-old form, he has a right chance in this company.

    On debut, he won at Ascot over seven furlongs on ground that was on the softer side and he then finished second in the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes to Rosallion.

    The winner has franked the form massively since, though he also beat Ancient Wisdom (subsequent Group 1 Futurity Stakes winner), Alyanaabi (subsequent Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes runner-up), Dancing Gemini (subsequent Group 1 French 2000 Guineas runner-up), and Sunway (subsequent Group 1 Criterium International winner).

    That’s good form, and he also won the Listed Ascendant Stakes on his next start before finishing second in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes on his final start of 2023.

    To my eye, he’s wanted a race over further than a mile for a while, so it is a shame we didn’t get to see his full capabilities in the Dante Stakes in May.

    However, his pedigree would offer some hope regarding today’s 10 furlongs assignment as his dam, Parton, is a half-sister to the 1m4f winner Boltaway.

    Furthermore, his grand-dam (Proviso) won four Grade 1 races in America on firm ground, so he is likely to enjoy today’s faster conditions.

    If he recreates any of that two-year-old form today, he could make his 20/1 price look silly.

     

    6:15 Ascot – Alzahir @ 22/1 with William Hill (6 places) & The X O @ 20/1 with William Hill (6 places) – 0.5pt EW for both

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    In the Buckingham Palace Stakes that concludes the card, I’m taking two chances at slightly lower stakes, the first of which is Alzahir.

    The former John & Thady Gosden-trained Sea The Stars gelding has had three runs for David O’Meara, though the best of his runs for his new yard came at Chester on his first start of the season.

    From stall eight, he got into a nice position, though he was fairly keen early on and he potentially paid for that in the final stages.

    That run showed promise and he’s likely to come on for it, and if he does, his form from the early parts of his career reads well.

    He finished second to Brave Emperor in a Kempton conditions stakes in March 2023, form that looks good as the winner has a rating of 114 having won two Group 2s and three Group 3s since. The fourth, Killybegs Warrior, also franked the form in some decent Class 2 handicaps subsequently.

    As for The X O, connections stepped him up to seven furlongs on his last start, and I actually thought he handled this new trip well.

    He raced on the outside at Epsom throughout most of the race, though when Rossa Ryan delivered his challenge just before the one-furlong pole, he stuck at it well.

    Having placed in last year’s Group 3 Commonwealth Cup Trial, he has classy form in the book, and the return to a straight track will help him here.

    He’s also likely to relish the good to firm ground compared to the good to soft conditions he experienced on Epsom Oaks Day.

    So, off a lenient mark of 95, I’ll chance him here.

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Three: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Three: Selections and Naps

    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 Jacket

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    NAP: Norfolk Stakes (Group Two) – Whistlejacket @ 6/5 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)

    It might seem a bit foolhardy putting the trust and faith in a two-year-old. But when you are a full brother to Royal Ascot winner Little Big Bear and dominated you’re last win, you have to uphold some reputation. Whistlejacket won by three-and-three-quarter lengths in the First Flier in May. That was on soft ground, but there will be more expected of him now on good-to-firm. Just like his brother, expect plenty of pace and not for catching.

     

    Rane On The Parade

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    E/W Bet: Gold Cup (GROUP ONE) – Coltrane @ 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    On paper, this looks like one of the most competitive renewals of the Gold Cup in recent years. Coltrane, for me, looks overpriced. His record at Ascot reads an impressive 121251. This includes a second in the Gold Cup last year. He’s won on firm ground before, in last season’s Lonsdale Cup. His price is too big, considering Gregory has not landed a big prize since last year’s Queen’s Vase. And, Kyprios is on a vengeance mission against Trawlerman to try and reagin his Royal crown, the latter of which is my pick to land the big prize. But Coltrane will not be far from the frame.

     

    No Need To Ponder

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    Handicap Best: King George V Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Poniros @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    Only one race is worth looking at for this contest. The London Gold Cup. And whilst the winner is going up into Group company, the rest show up here. Poniros is the one who comes here looking to uphold the form. It already has by Persica at Epsom and hopefully is the first positive indicator of how good the form is from the race. Poniros should relish the step up in trip after being bred by Golden Horn and looks a good pick at the initial prices.

    Fouroneohfever is on a four timer. Each race he has run this season, he seems to have grown in confidence, if you look at the winning distance. He’s already won over the winning distance of one-and-a-half miles so has got the engine. Despite not winning on firm ground, his sire Too Darn Hot will provide him with that ability. Decent each-way chance at 16/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

    An outsider that may be a little overlooked is City Burglar for Ralph Beckett. He came into this season with a narrow defeat over 10 furlongs at Ayr, which shows he is open to improvement over further. The draw may be a little negative on the inside rail, but Silvestre De Sousa is experienced enough to navigate a way through. 33/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Selections:

    14:30 – Norfolk Stakes (Group Two) – WHISTLEJACKET (NAP) @ 6/5 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports)

    15:05 – King George V Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – PONIROS (HB) @ 15/2 (William Hill), Fouroneohfever e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill, BetVictor), City Burglar e/w @ 33/1 (BetVictor)

    15:45 – Ribblesdale Stakes (Group Two) – Diamond Rain @ 13/8 (William Hill)

    16:25 – Gold Cup (GROUP ONE) – Trawlerman @ 6/1 (General), COLTRANE (E/W) @ 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    17:05 – Britannia Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Volterra @ 7/1 (Boylesports), Dashing Darcey e/w @ 12/1 (General), Mickley e/w @ 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    17:40 – Hampton Court Stakes (Group Three) – King’s Gambit @ 13/8 (William Hill, Boylesports), Jayarebe e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    18:15 – Buckingham Palace Stakes – Kings Time @ 12/1 (William Hill), Divine Libra e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill), Billyjoh e/w @ 2/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Best of Luck!

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Two: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day Two: Selections and Naps

    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.

     

    Royal Rogue

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    NAP: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two) – Rogue Millennium @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    Despite transitioning over to Ireland, Rogue Millennium is still a little inconsistent. She was hampered in the Lanwades Stud Stakes, trying to go down the inner. She switched to the outside but too late in the day. Today, she isn’t drawn much better in stall two, unlike in stall seven in last year’s race. But she performs on firmer ground, unlike some of her counterparts and she’s best rated in the field. She should, hopefully, have a little more luck in running this time around.

     

    Not A Flailed Shot

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    E/W Bet: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Alflaila @ 8/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Whilst everyone looks to the top of the market for the race of the day, there’s some value to be had with Alflaila. He won the Group Two Strensall Stakes on firm ground, and it’s clear it’s his preferred ground. He’s relatively unexposed at Group One level, after finishing fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes, but ran best of the rest after the top four battled it out between a length. He’s one of only a few horses that will perform on this sort of ground, and can run well in behind my main pick, Inspiral.

     

    Roaring Success

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    Handicap Best: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage H’cap) – Wild Tiger @ 9/1 (General)

    Only three favourites have won this race, which makes the price of 9/1 all the more appealing. There are plenty of chances for everyone, but drawing up a pace map and looking at the results down the straight course yesterday, there’s an advantage down the outside. Wild Tiger is in amongst it in stall 20. He’s off the back of two wins and is climbing through the rankings. Only six pounds raised from his last run and still very well handicapped, he could be the fourth favourite to win the Royal Hunt Cup.

    I also can’t escape Real Gain. He was disappointing in the Spring Cup on return, but you don’t have to go back far to realise his best performance came on firm ground. He may be feeling the effects of that win in handicap terms, but he has some advantages today. He’s drawn on the far side, which seems to be the trend on the straight course. He can come on from the run from Newbury and William Buick on board is significant. Nice price at 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).

    At a price, Talis Evolvere makes sense. With Joe Leavy claiming five pounds off his mark of 100, he can make a significant impact. The claimer has won on him at Newcastle and finished third with him in the Spring Cup at Newbury. Ryan Moore’s third on him last time out has kept the mark that is ideal for Talis Evolvere, but will have to tack over in the early stages to latch on to the pace. Proper each-way 18/1 (General).

     

    Selections:

    14:30 – Queen Mary Stakes (Group Two) – Leovanni @ 8/1 (Unibet), Maw Lam e/w @ 33/1 (General)

    15:05 – Queen’s Vase (Group Two) – Highbury @ 100/30 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports), Mina Rashid e/ w @ 16/1 (William Hill)

    15:45 – Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two) – ROGUE MILLENNIUM (NAP) @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    16:25 – Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Inspiral @ 5/2 (William Hill) ALFLAILA (E/W) @ 8/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    17:05 – Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage H’cap) – WILD TIGER (HB) @ 9/1 (General), Real Gain e/w @ 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports), Talis Evolvere e/w @ 18/1 (General)

    17:40 – Kensington Palace Stakes – Doha @ 10/1 (General), Azahara Palace e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill), Villanvoa Queen e/w @ 22/1 (William Hill, 888Sport, Unibet)

    18:15 – Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) – Hawaiian @ 10/1 (General), Cheval De Guerre e/w @ 20/1 (William Hill), Aviation Time e/w @ 28/1 (Boylesports)

    Best of Luck!

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day One: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day One: Selections and Naps

    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

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    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

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    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

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    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!

  • Four To Follow: North And South

    Four To Follow: North And South

    In the build up to Royal Ascot next week, we begin to build our pot with meetings at both York and Sandown. Up North, we focus on the big sprints that York is so famous for. It’s the same down South as Sandown hosts the Scurry Stakes. Some nice value to sort out on today’s Four To Follow.

     

    York

    Sittin’ On The Dock

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    3:00 – Race To The Ebor Grand Cup (Listed) – Salt Bay @ 6/1 (General)

    Despite not winning a race since debut, Salt Bay is due a win. He came close at the start of the season as he only finished a neck down to Hamish in April. Hamish then finished an admirable second in the Coronation Cup. Salt Bay has deserved to step up in trip and may unlock the key to his success.

     

    A Town Up North

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    3:35 – Macmillan Sprint Handicap – Pocklington @ 13/2 (William Hill)

    Located in 15 miles from York racecourse and trained up North in Malton, it may be written in the stars for Pocklington. The ground is acting on the easy side, which means the winner will be drawn from middle to high. Pocklington sits slap bang in the middle, and is on the pace of Media Shooter in the stall next door. A three-year-old destined for C&D trips in the future.

    When it comes to Yorkshire sprinters, Tim Easterby is king. Vince L’Amour is his top hope today, despite being a pound out of the handicap. It shouldn’t make too big a difference as he’s drawn in an area of plenty of pace. Expect him to go forward, and keep going as he should act on the soft side of good. 16/1 (William Hill).

    Twilight Romance should be one who’s prominent early on. Although he has shown indication he acts on firm ground, which may be a negative today with the ground on the softer side of good. But he’s drawn next to pace and acted well on the all-weather and should have matured to act on this type of ground into three. 18/1 (General).

     

    Sandown

    It’s Magic You Know

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    2:05 – talkSPORT Handicap – Dancing Magic @ 11/2 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    Last year Dancing Magic was a group horse and has come down enough to perform at is level. He should act well with the ground and the booking of Oisin Murphy is worth looking at. He looks like he can’t manage big field handicaps, so this might be his cup of tea after tumbling down his marks enough.

    Terwada has come back to a mark of 90, which was his first winning mark as a three-year-old last season at Newmarket. He’s drawn next to some pace in the field and clearly loves going at the mile distance. Both Ed Walker and Tom Marquand are in good form too, so Terwada is worth a punt each-way. 11/1 (General).

     

    South Of The Equator

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    2:40 – Scurry Stakes (Listed) – Flora Of Bermuda @ 4/1 (William Hill)

    Flora Of Bermuda could earn a nice title of Queen of the South tonight after coming down from a Group Two to Listed level. With Flora Of Bermuda she can either be on it or off it, and at Haydock a couple of weeks ago, she was off it. Now down to a Listed contest, it should suit her better than travelling to Royal Ascot for a sprint race well out of her depth.

    The very best of luck!

     

  • Epsom Derby Festival | Four To Follow: La-La Land

    Epsom Derby Festival | Four To Follow: La-La Land

    It’s time for the biggest Classic of the year, the Derby. The race, which is defined by a single piece of wood, and often the makings of legends. This race has seen so many stars, it could create its own universe. It’s looking to add one more to that illustrious cast today. But who will it be? Plus, there’s the Dash and two more Group races to get stuck into. It’s Derby day’s Four To Follow.

     

    Le Freak

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    2:00 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group Three) – Chic Colombine @ 15/2 (Unibet)

    Despite only two three-year-olds in the race, they have a decent record in the race with three wins in the last ten years. Chic Colombine is the pick of the bunch. With a generous 12-pound allowance, a liking for soft ground and coming back down from Group One company, she should outclass her rather out of form rivals.

    One of those out of form rivals, is Astral Beau who should prove better with a second bite of the cherry. She was a close third in this race last year on firm ground, but the ease should suit her better. For some reason, she wasn’t at all good at Newmarket in the Dahlia and it should be more of a decent contest, with a bit of form from Charyn in the Sandown Mile backing her up. 9/1 (BetVictor, Unibet).

     

    A Regal Gesture

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    2:35 – Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group Three) – Regal Reality @ 9/2 (General)

    If there’s one horse suited to Group Three level, it’s Regal Reality. He has a good record at this level, with five wins out of nine. He won this race last year, the only race he won last season. It could be a sign that he is aimed at this race, but that’s whether he’ll break from the stalls well. He can manage all types of ground, so the extra juice that Epsom seems to have won’t bother him at all.

    And again, I find myself coming back to Royal Scotsman. It was obvious he was outclassed at Group One level in the Lockinge, so a drop two grades is a big plus. He’s also top rated, so can’t be written off too soon either. It will be a challenge to see whether he will suit Epsom, but two wins at Goodwood should put him in good stead. Decent chance, who is being chipped away at 7/1 (William Hill).

     

    Soft And Sly

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    3:45 – Aston Martin “Dash” (Premier Handicap) – Silky Wilkie @ 4/1 (General)

    The main area to bet for this race is the pace map. Silkie Wilkie is drawn high, which has produced three winners in the last ten years and it’s often where you need to be. He’s drawn next to two runners who should make the running on the rail. Follow those in and he should have a decent shot. He didn’t run too badly at Musselburgh. He finished second in last year’s contest and is a massive eight pounds down. Should run a blinder today on the weights evidence.

    Dream Composer is also one who’s drawn next to the pace. He’s in between Antiphon and Democracy Dilemma., but may be held up for a run, which could help him up a slight decent in the final 100 yards. He can easily handle the softer ground, which should also aid him. He’s still at a fair weight with five pounds taken off him. Big race incoming from Dream Composer at 10/1 (William Hill).

    The Bell Conductor is one who should produce a big run at a big price. Drawn next to Antiphon, he should be able to latch on to the pace and go well down the helter-skelter of five furlongs at Epsom. Epsom is an unknown, but soft ground should help him, as his last win was on bottomless. He’s a similar profile to Dream Composer and should go well for Northern raider Craig Lidster. 20/1 (William Hill, Betfred).

     

    Angelic Dodger

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    4:30 – Betfred Derby (GROUP ONE) – Los Angeles @ 9/2 (General)

    City Of Troy really disappointed at the Guineas. But it’s rather the same argument with Ylang Ylang. He may be wanting a step up, but it just may be too much. Even though he’s by Justify, he only ran, and won, once at a mile-and-a-half.

    Stablemate Los Angeles is far better qualified for this race. He is by Derby winner Camelot, currently unbeaten, won a recognised trial and has a mile-and-a-half throughout his family. The form hasn’t been tested form the Leopardstown Derby Trial, yet he was Group One winner over a mile-and-a-quarter at two. Staying pedigree is in his bones and, on paper, looks a stronger chance than City Of Troy.

    Ancient Wisdom cannot be discounted. Despite being beaten by six lengths at York, he looks to be a better horse over a mile-and-a-half. The Dubawi curse was broken by Ezeliya yesterday and can be matched as Ancient Wisdom’s mare also achieving over a mile-and-a-half. He’s the best to come out of the Dante, and esteemed trail. 6/1 (General) may be made to look foolish.

    Voyage is also steeped in Derby history. His grandsire Galileo has produced multiple Derby winners, and he’s by Derby winner Golden Horn. His family have been prominent over a mile-and-a-quarter, but that golden touch of Golden Horn could make him stay the distance. He’s the least experienced horse in the field with one run and one win, but the form has been backed up by two horses further down the field. Certain each-way claims at 25/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!

  • Epsom Derby Festival | Four To Follow: Diamonds Are Forever

    Epsom Derby Festival | Four To Follow: Diamonds Are Forever

    It’s the most anticipated classics of the season, as he we head to the Downs. Epsom hosts the 245th Derby on Saturday, but today it’s the turn of the fillies. The Epsom Oaks should provide some clues for the showpiece event, but is still a high quality renewal. Plus a great undercard to tag along too, including the Coronation Cup.

     

    A Mega Story

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    2:00 – Betfred Woodcote Stakes – Megalithic @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    Two things need to match in order for a horse to have a chance. Good form and good breeding. Ideally, a sprinter’s family as this is over six furlongs. Megalithic cost 220,000 guineas and is from a predominantly seven furlong family. He has black type too, which is an added bonus. Only one horse has tested the form of the Salisbury novice, and the fifth placed horse went out and won. It signals quality, so Megalithic could go well here.

    End Of Story also makes appeal. He won his first race on testing ground, so will be more than glad that the ground has eased from his debut at Thirsk. His debut produced three winners and is by the smart sprinter Bungle Inthejungle and has bred Group One winner Winter Power. The signs look good for Kevin Ryan’s two-year-old. 11/2 (William Hill).

     

    Forever A Softie

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    2:35 – Trustatrader Handicap – Al Mubhir @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    Whenever soft is in the title, Al Mubhir is usually near. His usual stomping ground is the King Richard III Cup at Leicester, but goes near whenever the ground is soft. He’s been dropped a pound after disappointing performance at York. The ground was good that day, so will appreciate ease in the ground today.

    Fantastic Fox performed well when finishing third in the 2022 edition, but not so well in 2023. He can handle the track on that evidence. With a claimer on board, he comes down to a previous winning mark of 92. He has gone well on soft ground before, plus firm ground, so preference shouldn’t be a worry. Decent shout at 10/1 (William Hill).

    Bopedro has been incredibly well done by the handicapper after a third place finish at York. He’s been dropped a pound after a decent performance, which makes him even more appealing. He won an Irish Cambridgeshire on similar ground and has won off the same mark before. Epsom’s an unknown, but should go well off the mark. 11/1 (William Hill).

     

    Old Favourites

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    3:10 – Coronation Cup (GROUP ONE) – Emily Upjohn @ 11/8 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    This is Emily Upjohn’s first race of the British season and was a little disappointing. But the big thing that she has in her locker is she won the race last year and loves Epsom, as her first race of the season. She has won on the ground before and the small field will suit her. She’s already top rated, but the mares allowance puts her four lengths ahead of her nearest rival Luxembourg.

    Hamish has been dealt a harsh blow by the markets. It’s clearly his trip, he won’t be pulled out because of the ground and regularly outclasses Group Three rivals. Despite his success at that level, he’s never won a Group One, but came second in an Irish St Leger. He is destined for Group One’s and has been a long time coming. 15/2 (William Hill).

     

    Diamonds In The Rough

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    4:30 – Betfred Oaks (GROUP ONE) – Rubies Are Red @ 7/1 (William Hill, Betfred)

    In order to find these diamonds, I’ve had to search and eliminate as best as I can. Despite Ryan Moore taking the ride on Ylang Ylang. Despite people saying she’s crying out for further, she’s not bred to go a mile-and-half. Ezeliya is, but the form doesn’t back her up. Forest Fairy is bred for the distance, but lacks experience.

    Rubies Are Red, however, has everything in her favour. Brilliant breeding, out of Red Evie who bred Arc winner Found, Oaks third Divinely and Best In The World, who in turn bred Oaks winner Snowfall. Another half furlong and Rubies Are Red would have caught the lagging You Got To Me and will more than relish the mile-and-a-quarter trip. Despite not breaking her maiden she looks tailor-made for Epsom.

    Another small diamond is Secret Satire. York has a knack for providing Epsom winners, and last year’s winner did cause an upset in the Musidora. Despite being bred by a sprinter, her mother offers her the attempt to go further. Coming on from York she should settle better and look more professional here at Epsom. 12/1 (General).

    But one shining light in all of this is Noel Meade’s Caught U Looking. Fourth in the Salsabil, she would have preferred a little more give in the ground like Epsom should have. She’s by Derby winner Harzand, which is a massive positive. She has lots of mile-and-a-quarter running through her bloodline and will be a threat. Stall One may have other ideas. Still worth a go at 28/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!