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  • Royal Ascot Day 5 Tips | Swinging from the Mountains

    Royal Ascot Day 5 Tips | Swinging from the Mountains

    Well, Royal Ascot Day 5 is here and we have made it to the end of a long week.

    Away from the betting aspect of the royal meeting, I (as well as many) think that Royal Ascot 2024 has succeeded where Cheltenham potentially faltered this year.

    Great field sizes, competitive contests, no odds-on favourites (to my counting), and a great vibe around the place.

    This isn’t to take any shots at the Cheltenham Festival as many know my love and affection for that meeting, but as a jumps man through and through, Ascot (despite multiple days under a beating sun) failed to disappoint in a year where jump racing’s Olympics had a deflating feeling about it.

    Let’s hope this year was a blip for Prestbury Park’s marquee event in terms of the overall enjoyment, though as we all know, a few changes are required to help that occur.

    Anyway, back to what matters, we are rolling into the final day of the royal meeting on the back of a good week for the column.

    Before the Chesham kicks off action today, the column has secured a profit of 22.5pts from 35.5 staked (ROI of +63.4%), so let’s hope we can continue this nice stretch of form.

     

    3:05 Ascot – Candleford @ 12/1 with BetVictor (3 places) – 1pt EW

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    The two market favourites – Continuous and Middle Earth – are definitely the ‘sexy horses’ in this line-up, but Candleford appeals to me at the prices.

    The six-year-old by Kingman is race-fit, something Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old by Heart’s Cry isn’t, and Candleford has a big affection for Ascot.

    He was second (when subsequently disqualified due to Adam Farragher weighing-in light) on his Ascot debut and he then won at Royal Ascot in 2022 in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes.

    Later in 2022, he finished third to Hamish in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes, form that looks solid as his stablemate has won five Group 3s since and he finished second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup on his last start.

    As for his other form, his victory in the Listed August Stakes at Windsor in August 2023 looks good as the second (Solid Stone) had form with Hukum in 2023, the third (Lion’s Pride) ran to an RPR of 119 in the Listed Floodlit Stakes two starts later, and the fourth (Deauville Legend) was fourth in the 2022 Melbourne Cup.

    Following that, his second to Bay Bridge in the Group 3 September Stakes is another great piece of form as he finished sixth to Ace Impact in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe subsequently.

    With a winning return under his belt having claimed success at the Curragh 28 days ago (which has seen Sumiha, the second, frank the form by winning the Group 3 Munster Oaks on her next start), one would hope he’ll improve fitness-wise and he’ll enjoy the fast ground.

     

    3:45 Ascot – Swingalong @ 12/1 with William Hill (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    In the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, I can’t ignore the form that Swingalong has in the book.

    The four-year-old filly by Showcasing is a rapid sort who finished third in a good renewal of the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup last year.

    The winner (Shaquille) won the Group 1 July Cup Stakes on his next start, the second (Little Big Bear) was a high-class Group 1-winning two-year-old, the third (Ocean Quest) won a Group 3 on her next start, and the seventh (Shouldvebeenaring) placed in two Group 1s subsequently.

    That is rock-solid Ascot form and she also finished fourth on soft ground in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint Stakes on her final start of the season.

    She has winning form on good ground and last year’s appearance at the royal meeting occurred on good to firm, so the quick surface will cause no issues and she blew the cobwebs off at York last month.

    With a solid Ascot record and Group 1 form to fall back on, she seems like a fair bet at 12/1.

     

    4:25 Ascot – Mountain Bear @ 40/1 with BetVictor (4 places) – 0.5pt EW

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    The Group 3 Jersey Stakes looks like a great contest this year, but Mountain Bear is one I’m interested in at the big prices.

    Many eyes will turn to Aidan O’Brien’s first string, River Tiber, at the head of affairs and he does demand that high level of respect, but the same case occurred last year with The Antarctic and stablemate Age Of Kings won the race instead.

    On last year’s form, he was third to Haatem and Iberian (a highly regarded Charlie Hills-trained horse) in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes on less-than-ideal ground and he finished the season with a great run in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on firm ground when second to stablemate Unquestionable.

    Unquestionable has since finished fourth to Rosallion twice this season, the best of which came in this week’s Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes.

    Mountain Bear is likely to improve for his outing in the Irish 2000 Guineas and O’Brien does have a knack for winning the Jersey Stakes with outsiders.

    Not only did he do it last year, but Mountain Bear’s grand-dam (Song Of The Sea) produced Ishvana who won the 2012 renewal at odds of 20/1 even though the yard had Reply in the contest, a better-fancied runner with good Guineas form in the book.

    Hopefully, something similar can occur this year.

     

    5:05 Ascot – Chipstead @ 40/1 with William Hill (6 places) & Orazio @ 16/1 with William Hill – 0.5pt EW for both

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    The Wokingham is a tough, tough handicap, but I’m splitting stakes and taking a chance on two horses.

    The first is Orazio who is probably my biggest cliff horse on the Flat as I’ve backed him in all of his last five races.

    To begin with, he was my big ante-post fancy for last year’s Wokingham and he finished sixth when well-backed into an SP of 7/2.

    He ran well that day, and while plenty (including connections) thought he wants cut in the ground, that occurred on fast ground and he didn’t seem to hate it.

    This season, he ran respectably on seasonal debut in a fairly strong renewal of the Listed Cammidge Trophy Stakes as the winner (Montassib) finished sixth in the Group 2 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes subsequently and the fourth (Adaay In Devon) won the Listed Scurry Stakes on her last start.

    My theory is that this horse isn’t a six-furlong horse that contains a rapid turn of foot. Instead, he has the ability to travel at a very high cruising speed and maintain that when it matters late on.

    If Saffie Osborne can position him prominently, I think he might enjoy that more than coming off the pace.

    As for Chipstead, this is slightly a sentimental vote as Jack Doughty takes the ride, but he’s back to a winning mark with good form in the book.

    His last four winning marks came off 97, 97, 102, and 97, so today’s rating of 98 is workable and Doughty’s five-pound claim is a massive bonus.

    He was subject to a big gamble on his last start in the Epsom Dash, but he was caught for a touch of speed, so this return to six furlongs at Ascot will suit.

     

    5:40 Ascot – Palace Green @ 10/1 with Paddy Power (5 places) – 1pt EW

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    The Richard Hughes yard isn’t in the best form at the moment (one winner from 33 runners), but the horses look like they are running into form and that is enough to give me hope for Palace Green.

    The three-year-old by Sea The Moon has good form in the book as he was third to Dallas Star, a subsequent Group 3 Ballysax Stakes winner, at Bath on just his second career start.

    He kicked this season off with a nice five-length win at Kempton before running well on his first start at 12 furlongs at York.

    It looked as if he didn’t quite stay the trip that day, but he loomed up ominously well for a while, which offers plenty of encouragement that he’s still improving.

    Furthermore, the winner at York was Aidan O’Brien’s London City, a regally bred colt (by Justify out of the Galileo two-time Guineas winner Winter) who was running off a lowly mark of 93.

    This looks like a little bit of a plan by connections and he’s an unexposed horse to side with here.

  • 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.

  • Breeders’ Cup | Frankie 66/1 punt tops Santa Anita triple

    Breeders’ Cup | Frankie 66/1 punt tops Santa Anita triple

    As glamour dates on the racing calendar go, it doesn’t get much bigger for thoroughbred horses than the Breeders’ Cup and the 2023 edition takes place this weekend in the shadows of Los Angeles at Santa Anita.

    With the best field from around the globe descending on the Golden State, the chance for the rest of the world to take on the North American set on their own patch remains hugely inviting.

    No less than 18 races take place over the two-day event across Friday and Saturday, with 14 Grade 1 contests on the slate on both Dirt and Turf.

    The best horses, jockeys and trainers are in town, with the likes of Auguste Rodin, Mawj and Elite Power on show, but the Breeders’ Cup is also a chance for stars to emerge.

    With that in mind, here at BestofBets we’ve studied the form, going, track and playbook from Santa Anita and picked out THREE big price e/w punts.

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    *All race times GMT/PT

    Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf (Friday, 22:20/3:30PM)

    Giv’ Frankie a punt – 66/1 BoyleSports

    First up, we turn to the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf over 1m on Friday and look to an old favourite.

    Frankie Dettori may have ridden his final race on European turf, but a first Breeders Cup at Santa Anita in four years presents further chances for a gold-tinged twilight of his career.

    With a total of nines rides across the weekend in Arcadia, by far, the veteran’s longest price hope is on Leonard Powell’s rank outsider, Mo Fox Givin.

    But despite his huge antepost, punters should give this youngster a shot.

    Over the mile, the 2yo won on debut at Colonial Downs in Virginia, and though runner-up last out at Churchill Downs, that contest was over this trip, pointing to a preference for a longer trip.

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    With the ground suitably firm, the quicker turf will suit the sprinters and in Mo Fox Givin, not only is there a quick filly, but one who will push late on.

    Dettori has not ridden a Breeders’ Cup winner since 2018 on Enable, and never won this race before.

    However, after Ryan Moore’s heroics on Meditate last year, could Frankie pull one out of the bag here in his new adopted home?

    This race is also worthy of backing two other names in the field, Buttercream Babe and Danny Eplin’s unbeaten Dreamfyre.

    The two finished 1-2 in the Surfer Girl Stakes on the same course last time out, with the latter a winner by a neck.

    Though this is plainly a more elite field, both are in excellent form and both fetching long odds of 20s+.

     

    FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Friday 23:00/4:00PM)

    A nice tipple – 18/1 William Hill

    We go with back-to-back races for number two, and to a colt who can put on a show for Bob Baffert in the Juvenile Alliance.

    Wine Me Up, like many this weekend, comes to Cali with little experience, but after winning on debut two months ago, made the trip to Santa Anita last time out, finishing a 9/1 runner-up behind Muth – a 7/2 shot here.

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    On the dirt, Wine Me Up, the son of Vino Rosso – a Breeders’ Cup Classic victor in 2019 – has the pedigree to make a statement with Ramon Vazquez on board.

    In the American Pharoah Stakes, the colt was beaten by almost 4L and will need to really turn it on, but could leave the Pegram, Watson and Weitman ownership team with the bubbly flowing come Friday.

     

    FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (Saturday, 20:30/1:30PM)

    In Exaultation – 25/1 Betfred

    As Saturday rolls into view, our final big punt of the weekend goes on the Turf Mile, and to a horse who, frankly, we are stunned to see so far down the markets.

    Yes, Mawj is expected to bring a third win on the bounce for Godolphin, but Exaulted could spring a surprise.

    Exaulted comes into the contest from a Del Mar runners-up spot at the beginning of September, but before that, had won four on the spin.

    All four came at Santa Anita, for a horse who remains unbeaten on turf.

    Having made the step-up in trip from 7f without success, Peter Eurton’s progressive 6yo Bay has proved a liking for not only the trip but is very much at home in Arcadia.

    Indeed, with the ground firm and fast this weekend, the bay is yet to taste defeat Santa Anita, most recently winning the Shoemaker Stakes back in May – a first Grade 1 win.

    That win was further evidence of a growing reputation, and though by far and away a toughest field to date, punters could do a lot worse than with an e/w flutter.

     

    The 2023 Breeders’ Cup begins on Friday at Santa Anita Park, with the Qatar Golden Mile Stakes at 18:30/11:30AM.

  • Royal Ascot | Big-price punts: 20/1 Coventry Stakes hopeful

    Royal Ascot | Big-price punts: 20/1 Coventry Stakes hopeful

     

    As the most famous race meeting in the world arrives once again, it’s time to pick our Royal Ascot punts for the week.

    Just like during Cheltenham, major surprises will often pop up among the 35 races on the slate and punters will be eyeing big-value winners.

    So, with seven trips to come over each of the five days, we have once again scoured the form guide and come up with five well-priced names from each day to consider.

     

    Bobsleigh (Coventry Stakes, Tuesday, 15:05) – 20/1 William Hill

    We’re going early with Tuesday’s punt in the Coventry Stakes.

    Set to be a tasty matinee before the King’s Stand and St. James’s Palace Stakes, Bobsleigh could go well.

    With 17 of the 22 entrants coming into this on the back of a win, finding a winner may prove tricky.

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    However, the in-form Eve Johnson Houghton has had a strong flat season so far and Bobsleigh could give it a very nice sheen.

    Pipping Balon D’or to the Woodcote on Derby Weekend, the 2yo has enjoyed a strong start to his career, now with successive wins as a winning debutante at Brighton in April.

    His most recent win at Epsom was eye-catching at 5/1, but can Bobsleigh slide to another win over 6f?

    At a lofty 20/1, we say he can.

     

    Majestic (Royal Hunt Cup, Wednesday, 17:00) – 20/1 888Sport

    For pick two, one of the big betting races of the week in the Royal Hunt Cup catches the eye for many reasons.

    The favourite rarely wins this contest, so eyes are invited further down the SP list; ours are looking at Majestic.

    Yet to win since changing trainer from Mick Channon to his son Jack, his biggest win to date in the bet365 Cambridgeshire showed ability.

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    That is not to say the four outings this year have been underwhelming; far from it.

    Indeed, after a fourth at Doncaster and a rather disappointing ninth in the Howden on the Rowley Mile, another fourth at the Dante Meeting was followed as an impressive runner-up to Cadillac on Derby Weekend.

    Just waiting to get a clear run, Wednesday may just be a majestic one.

     

    Lumiere Rock (Ribblesdale Stakes, Thursday, 15:40) – 12/1 BoyleSports

    As we move on to Thursday, Al Asifah is the big favourite in the Ribblesdale Stakes for John and Thady Gosden, but for e/w value alone, Lumiere Rock looks a cracking shout.

    The big draw for us comes in the form of the raiding James McDonald.

    Making his annual pilgrimage from Australia, the Kiwi rode the indomitable Nature Strip in the King’s Stand last year.

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    The mount of a filly who has placed in all six career outings, McDonald’s 3yo has pedigree as the daughter of Japanese raider Saxon Warrior, winner of the 2000 Guineas in 2018.

    With just the one win at the Curragh last October, three runner-ups though point to her consistency.

    On UK debut and on the big stage, this Irish youngster has punter appeal.

     

    Quinault (Palace of Holyrood House Stakes, Friday, 18:10) – 12/1 QuinnBet

    We then move to Day 4’s finale sprint race, the Palace of Holyrood House Stakes.

    With 28 runners pencilled in, another wide open contest is on the cards but Quinault might just come out on top.

    Formerly on the books of Charlie Appleby, since gelding last June, trainer Stuart Williams has had to wait for a winning run but boy, it arrived and how.

     

    A first win on the AW at Chelmsford back in April, Class 5 victory on the turf followed at Brighton.

    Back-to-back victories at Newmarket then came over 6f, and he arrives at Royal Ascot looking for an impressive sixth win-in-a-row after a narrow decision at York.

    Though Quinault is yet to win over this shorter trip, the German has matured beyond his youth.

    At a 12/1 price, looks the most interesting of Ascot punts.

     

    Raatea (Wokingham Stakes, Saturday, 17:00) – 25/1 BetUK

    For the last of our Royal Ascot punts, we juggled a few names but came up with a contender in the Wokingham Stakes; Raatea.

    A late mover on to our radar after a tidy trip in the SkyBet Reverence earlier this month, Julie Camacho’s 6yo got his first win in almost a year.

    However, in Raatea’s prior outing in the Howden this term, the signs of improvement were there from last season.

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    Well in touch with the leading pack with 1f to go but fading to fifth, another 6f outing at Haydock followed with a a surprise victory at 25/1.

    Set to go off at a similar price to end the week, the very same trip can prove his consistency.

    Now in changed colours, if the going remains Good to Firm, Raatea has real chances.

  • The Royal Ascot Treble: Tahiyra

    The Royal Ascot Treble: Tahiyra

     

    With Tuesday out of the spotlight, for the third leg of our Royal Ascot Treble the lights fall on Friday’s Coronation Stakes.

    Twenty-four hours on from Ladies’ Day, the fillies strut their stuff over 1m with nine runners on the slate.

    Having missed out in the 1000 Guineas to Mawj, is revenge on the cards at the Royal Meeting for Tahiyra?

     

    Winning pedigree

    Like many of the youngsters on show this week, it has been a whirlwind past year for Tahiyra.

    Having put down an early marker with a five-length win on debut at Galway, winning the Moyglare in just her second outing – a Group 1 no less – highlighted the filly’s burgeoning class.

    Taking a two-for-two record across the Irish Sea, the 1000 Guineas was always a big task, but the step-up in trip almost proved a non-issue. Almost.

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    Bouncing back on home soil in the Irish 1000 Guineas, defeat to Mawj would still have been raw, but there is the sense that the Coronation Stakes come at the perfect time.

    Indeed, as the sister of St. James’s Palace Stakes contender Paddington, Tahiyra could make Siyouni a very happy parent.

     

    Will Mawj prevail?

    Having spent the winter in Dubai, Mawj looks a more complete package; her win at Newmarket proved so.

    It’s now three on the spin in the colours of Godolphin, after a Meydan double to begin the year.

    But when faced with a familiar foe once more – one who could become quite the rival in the coming months and years – will Saeed Bin Suroor be celebrating again?

    Whilst on paper it looks a straight shootout, Sounds of Heaven could yet throw a spanner in the works.

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    A horse in-form, victory here at a likely double-figure price will be number three on the bounce.

    Winning at York last time out at an SP of 14/1 booked Sounds of Heaven a spot here and if Tahiyra has strong lineage, so too does this filly.

    The daughter of Kingman who won all but one of his career races – including a Greenham, a St. James’s Palace and Sussex Stakes – might now see his own offspring grab the limelight.

    Make no mistake, Sounds of Heaven could challenge.

  • 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.

  • Royal Ascot weekend pointers: 25/1 Wokingham punt impresses

    Royal Ascot weekend pointers: 25/1 Wokingham punt impresses

    With a week to go until the most famous race meeting on the planet begins, anticipation for this year’s Royal Ascot is simmering.

    As trainers around the globe put their final preparations toward the trip to Berkshire, both Haydock and Goodwood threw up some interesting results.

    But what caught caught our eye?

     

    Raatea roused

    The big winner of the weekend came in the SkyBet Reverence Handicap as Raatea threw his Top Hat into the ring for the Wokingham.

    As 9/4f and June specialist Mr Wagyu floundered, Julie Camacho would have been delighted with her gelding.

    With fellow big-shots Emperor Spirit and Nomadic Empire following Raatea home at 13/2, his backers would have taken note.

    Though a first win in almost a year, the now 6yo has flourished in the summer months in previous terms.

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    Indeed, in four June outings, he has now been beaten only once.

    With the latest 6f dash to come Saturday week, Raatea has proved a liking for the firmer and faster ground.

    Though Orazio remains the favourite for this particular sprint, you may not find a better punt during Royal Ascot 2023.

    A long price at 25/1 with BetVictor but far from a no-hoper.

     

    Candleford cold

    At the other end of the market, it was not the ideal outing for William Haggas hopeful, Candleford.

    He came home only third behind Peripatetic and Charlie Appleby’s First Ruler.

    Set to line-up in the Hardwicke Stakes – also a week on Saturday – the 5yo who won the Duke of Edinburgh 12 months ago, struggled on the baked turf.

    As Goodwood broiled, the ground become similar to that of last summer.

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    Admittedly, that was the same good to firm going that brought the gelding a six-length victory, but that win at Ascot was his last.

    It’s now six trips for the son of Kingman without taking the winning post first.

    Candleford is currently fifth in the betting to complete an Ascot double on successive years.

    However, taking on the likes of Adayar and AP O’Brien’s Broome-Bolshoi Ballet double, this was not a good marker to lay.

     

    Equilateral shaping up

    Returning to Merseyside meanwhile, Frankie Dettori may have gone winless at Haydock this weekend, but Equilateral showed promise.

    Runner-up for the second race on the spin, trainer Charlie Hills would have been pleased even if a beaten favourite.

    Equilateral is set to take on the mighty Highfield Princess and the burgeoning Dramatised in the Kings Stand.

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    Though the early antepost price is hefty – an even bigger one than Raatea – he will still be worth looking at.

    It stands to reason that Equilateral has his doubters; all three of his wins since 2020 have come at Meydan.

    However, if the rains don’t come in the next week – and they aren’t expected – he looks a fantastic long-price shot.

    On his day, Equilateral is a fast finisher and if in touch with the pack, may bolt up at a huge 50/1 with BetUK.

  • 2023 Betfred Derby Festival: 14/1 Epsom punt fancied by ITV pundits

    2023 Betfred Derby Festival: 14/1 Epsom punt fancied by ITV pundits

    As June blazes in, summer classic season hits top gear with this weekend’s Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom.

    In a month which concludes with Royal Ascot, first, the 1m4f trip on the Downs takes top billing.

    With 15 races sandwiched into the card, we’ve picked three to feature at varying prices.

     

    Friday 16:30 Betfred Oaks, Soul Sister – 11/4

    Beginning with Friday’s Oaks, Running Lion‘s form is impressive but without a drop of rain, Soul Sister is the filly for us.

    As Frankie Dettori galloped away to win the Musidora at York last month, the 14/1 SP of John and Thady Gosden’s promising lady was left in tatters.

    Romping away on turf that had at last firmed up, too much was placed on her form from Newbury.

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    Instead, a debut winner at Doncaster last October, the youngster proved she can handle the soft ground, but will much prefer the going good.

    Everything points to said Epsom going being Good to Firm this weekend and Soul Sister has the groove at 11/4 with William Hill.

     

    Saturday 13:30: Betfred Epsom Derby, White Birch – 14/1

    Turning to the Festival’s main event, whilst Auguste Rodin, Military Order and Passenger are jousting to be Derby favourite, White Birch is very much still our long-price fancy.

    And we have sound company in our pick.

    Indeed, ITV Racing duo Francesca Cumani and Leonna Mayor have been vocal in their support in JJ Murphy‘s pretender to the Derby crown.

    In his last outing, the colt was a storming runner-up to The Foxes in The Dante and with a few extra furlongs could have taken the win.

    A double winner on Irish turf his two races prior, he will be keen again to put a show on British soil.

    The son of Ulysses – a Juddmonte winner himself in 2016 – White Birch has the pedigree to perform on the big stage.

    At a still very tasty 14/1 with BoyleSports, the grey looks excellent value.

     

    Saturday 14:10: Princess Elizabeth Stakes, Astral Beau – 8/1

    Finally, we move to the following race on the card, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes with a good e/w consideration for Astral Beau.

    Now targeting races just over the 1m mark, the 4yo travelled well to place third in the Howden last time out.

    Of more significance perhaps, the mount of Shane Foley was a winner over the slightly shorter distance in the Doncaster Mile earlier this spring.

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    Still preferring 7f, Astral Beau has nevertheless won four of her last six  – placing in all outings.

    We just get the feeling trainer Pam Sly could be on to a good thing here.

    The four-length winning margin in Yorkshire proved there could be a stayer in this horse yet, at 8/1 with 888Sport.

  • 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.