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Tag: Royal Ascot 2024

  • 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 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 | Kyprios burning to regain Gold Cup crown

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Kyprios burning to regain Gold Cup crown

    As Royal Ascot‘s centre piece – on both the schedule and in hierarchy – Thursday’s Gold Cup is once again the jewel in the crown. A crown Kyprios wants back.

    Traditionally the mid-way marker of the Royal Meet, a race established in 1807 has seen the likes of Sagaro and Lester Piggott win three years on the trot between 1975 and 1977, whilst Yeats went one better between 2006 and 2009.

    And more recently of course, the mighty Stradivarius between 2018 and 2020.

    This week, Kyprios will still be some way off the legends of this race, but even with a blockbuster field, his chances of a return to glory are strong.

     

    Success

    Since the untimely retirement of the great Stradivarius to stud in 2022, the Ascot Gold Cup has lost a little of its sheen.

    However, his former rival can add that bit of sparkle back.

    A winner of this race two years ago, Kyprios missed Royal Ascot 12 months ago and having seen Courage Mon Ami take the throne, he and trainer Aidan O’Brien are fairly keen to reclaim it.

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    The King of Ballydoyle trained Yeats to a four-year tenure of the Cup, but in the last decade still trails John and Thady Gosden 3-4.

    2024 can see the scorecards leveled up.

     

    Absence

    Royal Ascot 2024 will be Kyprios’ first trip to the Berkshire showpiece in 24 months.

    Having edged Richard Hannon’s Mojo Star in the 2022 edition – a race where Stradivarius came third – Kyprios went unbeaten in six during that year.

    With a Goodwood Cup and Irish St Leger part of the Chestnut’s spoils, then came an untimely absence from the track through injury.

    Almost a calendar year later – 344 days to be exact – the 6yo returned to defend the Leger crown, but was taken down by Eldar Eldarov.

    Perhaps significantly, his final run of last year in the season-closing Long Distance Cup then saw Trawlerman become the latest to pip Kyprios to a first win in over a year.

    We say significantly, but in his two runs this term, Kyprios has looked his old dominant self, returning to his roots in the Vintage Crop and Levmoss Stakes on Irish soil last month.

    Kyprios may be back to his impenetrable best.

     

    Familiar foes

    Kyprios’ designs on another Ascot Gold Cup will be met by the face of familiar foes.

    Not least least Trawlerman, as the only runner in the field to have beaten Kyprios, as documented.

    Despite beaten into third on his last appearance in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan, the 6yo of Godolphin had won the three contests prior.

    In his only Royal Ascot outing, an 11th place in the Edinburgh was far from memorable but Trawlerman returns for Act 2 a different horse and an 8/1 fancy with BetUK.

    In the absence of Kyprios, Coltrane has become the new kid on campus and looks a tidy threat at price.

    Fourth to Kyprios in their only meeting at Glorious Goodwood 2022, Andrew Balding’s 7yo was fourth however, since then, was runner-up to Courage Mon Ami last year.

    Already boasting a bullish 2022 Ascot Stakes win, Coltrane’s most recent trip saw a victory in the Sagaro Stakes – named after the three-time winner.

    The ground will be very different on Thursday, but we have already seen that is not an issue. Looks a smart alternative at 14/1 with QuinnBet.

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    Then there is the returning warrior that is Trueshan.

    Yet to make his Royal Meeting debut due to the going year-in-year-out, the fortunes of Hollie Doyle and the journeyman 8yo have become something of a lottery.

    With the ground on Tuesday fast and slick, there will be no rain in sight by the time Trueshan arrives in the parade ring.

    It is very possible that the gelding will again be named a non-runner, but if he does run, do not bet against the heart of a horse and her mount at a tall 33/1 with Betfred.

     

    The Group 1 British Champions Series Ascot Gold Cup takes place on Thursday at 4:25pm UK time. 

  • Royal Ascot Day 2 Tips | Running back to glory

    Royal Ascot Day 2 Tips | Running back to glory

    Royal Ascot Day 2 is upon us following a great opening day to the royal meeting on Tuesday, one that saw the column finish in profit.

    After the first three selections, we looked slightly up against the ropes, but Israr (the best bet) winning the Listed Wolferton Stakes and Lmay finishing second at 25/1 in the Copper Horse Handicap turned the day around.

    Let’s hope for a bit more success today.

     

    3:05 Ascot – Illinois @ 7/4 with William Hill – 2pt Win

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    Similar to fancying Israr yesterday, I think Illinois could have too much for his rivals in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase Stakes.

    The three-year-old by Galileo is regally bred as he is a half to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and King George winner Danedream (who handled quicker surfaces) and is a full brother to the Group 1-placed Venice Beach who also won on good ground.

    Therefore, despite his prior form on heavy and soft ground, a sounder surface at Ascot should suit.

    The Coolmore homebred won on debut and has failed to repeat that feat since, but he was a staying-on second to Ambiente Friendly (the Epsom Derby runner-up) in the Lingfield Derby Trial and the third, Meydaan, has won the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes since.

    Before that, he ran a sound race on dire ground in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown having finished third in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud on his final start as a two-year-old.

    The form of that race looks good as the winner (Los Angeles) won the Group 3 Leopardstown Derby Trial Stakes on his next start, the fourth (Ramadan) was fifth in the French Guineas, and the fifth (Bracken’s Laugh) finished second in the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester.

    The step up in trip should work and, ultimately, he looks like the best horse in this field.

     

    3:45 Ascot – Running Lion @ 10/1 with BetVictor (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    With my frequently-used ‘forgiving hat’ on, I’m making a case for Running Lion returning back to her best in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes.

    The four-year-old had a muddling season last year as she looked like a world-beater in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes but then failed to recreate that form in four subsequent runs.

    That day, she beat Sumo Sam (a subsequent two-time Group 2 winner) by four-and-a-half lengths on ground officially described as soft, though the time of the race suggests it was slightly better than that.

    Connections tried her over 1m2f on her next two starts, the best effort of which came at Salisbury when second to State Occasion, and then stepped her up to 1m4f for her final two runs of the year.

    At Newmarket in the Group 3 Dubai Stakes, she hung a bit to her left (as she did on her seasonal return in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes this year) and could only manage third, and in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, she probably found the extended trip on soft ground too much for her.

    Her tendency to hang to her left is interesting as her most notable case of it came at the start of this year.

    Considering she seemed fine when she winning around a right-handed bend at Kempton last year, there’s an argument to suggest that today’s assignment on the Ascot round course might help keep her mind on the job.

    If she does, bits of her form looks better than most of her rivals in this field and her pedigree leans towards better ground, something she gets today.

     

    5:05 Ascot – Streets Of Gold @ 18/1 with William Hill (6 places) – 0.5pts EW

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    The Royal Hunt Cup is a tricky handicap to get a hold of in most years, though I’d happy to take a small chance on Streets Of Gold.

    The four-year-old has contested three handicaps in his career, winning one of them and finishing a good sixth on his latest start in the Victoria Cup over seven furlongs.

    He travelled with a wet sail that day under three-pound claimer Georgia Dobie and the handicapper has dropped him one pound for his effort, a welcome sight.

    Based on his pedigree, it’s fairly remarkable that he’s adapted himself so well to these shorter distances as he comes from the family of Treasure Beach (the 2011 Irish Derby winner), Elidor (a 1m6f Listed winner), and Count Octave (runner-up in the 2018 Group 2 Lonsdale Cup to Stradivarius).

    So, his pedigree suggests that a step up in trip could work out for him, and the form of his third in last year’s Group 3 Jersey Stakes is solid.

    With Charlie Bishop back in the saddle, he can outrun his odds in the Royal Hunt Cup.

     

    5:40 Ascot – Rowayeh @ 14/1 with Paddy Power (6 places) – 1pt EW

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    The Kensington Palace Stakes takes place on the straight course for the first time in its history and all of the last three renewals have gone to a four-year-old, serving as a small nod of confidence to Rowayeh.

    The Dubawi filly progressed nicely as a three-year-old as she finished third in her opening race of the season to Silver Lady, a future Group 2 Cape Verdi winner in Meydan.

    After that, she won at Beverley and then won on handicap debut at Sandown, a race that has worked out well as the second (Mystic Pearl) won a Listed race on her next start and finished third in this race last year.

    Following that, her form continued to improve as she finished third at Goodwood to Choisya (now rated 100) in a Class 3 handicap, another race that looks good in the form book as the second (Novus) has improved 21 pounds to a rating of 107 and the fourth (Royal Dress) has improved 16 pounds to a mark of 102.

    One can argue that her final start of the season came at the end of a congested campaign, and there are plenty of positives to take from her seasonal reappearance against the boys at Newmarket when you consider that she needed the run.

    Although she has form on good to soft ground, she is by Dubawi and out of a War Front mare whose relations all preferred soft ground.

    Furthermore, her dam (Alaflaak) is a War Front half to the dam of Baaeed, Hukum, and Naqeeb which is a nice pedigree point.

     

    6:15 Ascot – Pont Neuf @ 10/1 with Bet365 (5 places) – 1pt EW

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    The only two-year-old bet I had yesterday didn’t work out too well, but I haven’t lost faith in all juveniles yet as I’m a fan of Eve Johnson Houghton’s Pont Neuf in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.

    Firstly, it’s worth highlighting Matt Chapman’s interview with Johnson Houghton from Windsor on Monday as her confidence behind this gelding by Cotai Glory was high.

    It’s understandable why, as he is two from two and his success at Salisbury last month was huge.

    On ground that probably wasn’t to his liking, the 24,000gns purchase dug deep and passed rivals to win by three-quarters of a length.

    The second, Kassaya, was in receipt of nine pounds from the winner and is a Nathaniel half-sister to last year’s 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean and the third, Megalithic, franked the form subsequently with a sound effort in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom.

    Also, if you’re inclined to read into collateral form, Megalithic was second to Teej A in the Woodcote Stakes and Teej A beat yesterday’s Group 2 Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar at Chester in May.

    With a good ground-orientated pedigree, he should relish a return to a sounder surface and the way he moved through his Salisbury win suggests a stiff five at Ascot could play to his strengths.

  • 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 | Auguste Rodin ready to storm Prince of Wales

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Auguste Rodin ready to storm Prince of Wales

    Royal Ascot. There is simply nothing like it on the racing calendar and for Auguste Rodin, it could be his chance to shine once more.

    After one of the coolest and dampest springs in recent memory, the course remains largely dry and with little rain in the forecast, the ground looks set to be fairly fast.

    If the weather plays ball, after a run of seven months’ absence from the winners’ enclosure, Auguste Rodin looks in prime position for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

     

    Royal debut

    Making his first trip not only to Ascot but the Royal Meeting, Auguste Rodin will be breaking ground this week.

    But that is not to say he will be ill at ease. Likely, far from it.

    Aidan O’Brien may have lost one of his big stable names in Paddington to retirement, but Auguste Rodin can cushion the blow in Berkshire.

    If Auguste rides in to victory, it will be his sixth Grade 1 win.

     

    Derby glory

    In May 2023, it all went so wrong for Auguste Rodin.

    A strong 13/8f for the 2000 Guineas, the son of Deep Impact never got to grips with the Rowley Mile, finishing a lowly 12th out of 14 runners.

    As Chaldean and Frankie Dettori came home at 9/2 for a fitting Newmarket send-off, it was a setback.

    Less than a month later however, Auguste rode in for Derby glory.

    Hauling back King of Steel over the final furlongs, Auguste Rodin won a ninth Derby for his trainer and third for Ryan Moore.

    Firmly consigning his doubters to the scrap heap, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and then Breeders’ Cup Turf spoils followed.

    With the ground almost his ideal condition this week, the pieces appear to be lining up for a return to winning ways on UK turf.

     

    Birch absence

    Auguste Rodin is the market favourite for the Prince of Wales, and his task has been made a little easier by the withdrawal of White Birch.

    Not declared for Wednesday’s contest, JJ Murphy’s entry had won the last three and beat Auguste Rodin last time out in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.

    With White Birch absent, the mare Inspiral looks to be closest in the betting, and she also recorded a victory at the Breeders’ Cup last November.

    Taking the Filly and Mare Turf, the 5yo of John and Thady Gosden has won three of the last four, having been runner-up in last year’s Queen Anne.

    The year prior however, she won the Coronation Stakes. Inspiral can take it to Auguste.

    Meanwhile, after fluffing her own lines in the Nassau Stakes, French raider Blue Rose Cen will be hoping for better favour, but again, there are questions as to whether the filly will like the faster ground.

     

    The Prince of Wales’s Stakes takes place on Wednesday at 4:25pm.

  • 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!

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | Day 1 Tips | Baeda’s brother in the last

    Royal Ascot 2024 | Day 1 Tips | Baeda’s brother in the last

    Royal Ascot Day 1 is upon us and the excitement levels are extremely high.

    In the lead-up to the royal meeting, the ground was causing a few issues as many forecasts had predicted nearly 20mm of rainfall ahead of the Queen Anne Stakes.

    However, that didn’t materialise and the course has artificially added 5mm onto the straight and round courses.

    So, with quick ground accounted into the studying, here are my plays for Royal Ascot Day 1.

     

    2:30 Ascot – Dolayli @ 16/1 with William Hill (4 places) – 1pt EW

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    This year’s Queen Anne has many big names to consider.

    Facteur Cheval, Charyn, Big Rock, Royal Scotsman, and Audience all set a good standard, but the one that appeals to me the most is Dolayli who has a different profile from most in the race.

    Of the five-year-old’s last six races, four have occurred on the all-weather, the most recent of which happened in March when he beat Junko by five lengths.

    Admittedly, Junko was having his first run for 89 days, but he won the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase and Group 1 Grosser Preis von Bayern in the space of a month prior to that reappearance which is a solid standard of form.

    Furthermore, Junko won the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly at the start of this month to further frank the form.

    In Dolayli’s two runs subsequently, he finished third in the Group 2 Prix du Muguet and then improved to finish fourth in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan.

    As for the strength of that piece of form, the winner (Mqse De Sevigne) was third in last season’s Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes and won two other Group 1 contests before that, the second (Horizon Dore) chased home King Of Steel in the 2023 Group 1 Champion Stakes, and the third (Haya Zark) had just won the Group 1 Prix Ganay.

    Furthermore, the fifth (Blue Rose Cen) won three Group 1s last season and the sixth (Marhaba Ya Sanafi) won the Group 3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil recently.

    Finally, just to add to his case, his pedigree is ludicrous on paper.

    His dam (Dolniya) won the 2015 Group 1 Sheema Classic and he is by the super-sire Siyouni.

    A strongly-run straight mile should suit and he’ll appreciate the faster ground.

     

    3:05 Ascot – Cowardofthecounty @ 5/1 with William Hill – 1pt Win

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    I’m not one to bet in two-year-old races too often, but Cowardofthecounty produced a performance so striking on debut that is hard to ignore.

    His win at the end of April came on soft to heavy ground, but he put two-and-a-half lengths between himself and Whistlejacket (Aidan O’Brien’s full brother to Little Big Bear) who franked the form on his next start as he won the Listed First Flier Stakes.

    Will he like the fast ground? Well, he is by Kodi Bear who produces a fair amount of fast ground horses, his half-brother Cassy O won three times on good to firm, and his grand-dam produced Junia Tepzia, the 2009 Listed Premio Coolmore winner on good ground.

    That pedigree analysis offers a good bit of confidence behind him liking the ground and following his win at the Curragh, Kevin Blake (race planner to Joseph O’Brien) was full of praise on the Betfair Weighed-In podcast.

    Hopefully, he justifies his market position with a nice performance in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes.

     

    3:40 Ascot – Diligent Harry @ 16/1 with William Hill – 1pt EW

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    In the newly-named Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, Diligent Harry looks too big of a price to leave alone.

    Trainer Clive Cox has never shied away from speaking his mind in regards to what he thinks about this six-year-old by Due Diligence, and he’s also backed that up with his recent race planning.

    Connections aimed him at the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Meydan in search of some better ground and he delivered for them to finish third in a hot race.

    The winner, California Spangle, was banging heads with Golden Sixty over in Hong Kong at eight furlongs last year, so his level of form is strong, and beating the likes of Slight Success (Lucky Sweynesse form), Casa Creed, and Danyah is admirable.

    As for his UK performances, he beat Annaf over six furlongs at Lingfield last year, form that looks good as the second won the Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh in February.

    He also beat Witch Hunter (subsequent Group 1 Lockinge Stakes third) over six furlongs at Newcastle and the form of last year’s Group 3 Hackwood Stakes looks strong thanks to Cold Case and Shartash.

    Following a good reappearance in the Group 2 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes last month, Cox is “desperately keen” to run this horse over five furlongs at Ascot and there is a lot to like about his profile.

     

    5:40 Ascot – Israr @ 7/2 with BetVictor – 2pt Win

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    I’m happy to go out on a limb and say that the Wolferton Stakes is between two horses in my head, though those two horses are well-found in the market.

    Torito is one of them as he was an eye-catcher at Newmarket when third in a nice handicap on his first start for 11 months, but I think Israr could have too much for him at this level.

    The five-year-old by Muhaarar is a solid Group 2 performer who is dropping into Listed company for the first time since his second to Quickthorn, a subsequent six-length Group 1 Goodwood Cup winner, in last year’s Grand Cup Stakes.

    After that, he pumped Adayar in the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes and four months later, he chased home Spirit Dancer in the Group 2 Bahrain International Stakes.

    On his most recent start, he gave Passenger (the once Prince Of Wales’s Stakes ante-post favourite) a great race to finish second in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes. He was also backed into the SP favourite that day, which is notable.

    As for his Ascot record, he was second to Al Qareem in the 2023 Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes and also finished third in the 2022 King George V Stakes, so that stat shows he’s fine with the track.

    If he runs up to his bets form, it’ll take a good horse to beat him.

     

    6:15 Ascot – Naqeeb @ 14/1 with William Hill (5 places) & Lmay @ 25/1 with William Hill (5 places) – 0.5pts EW

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    In the finale, I’m taking on the head of the market with two regally bred four-year-olds as Naqeeb and Lmay appeal to me.

    Starting with the former, the Baaeed half-brother has yet to reach the heights of his famous sibling, but pieces of form make him interesting.

    The gelding is rocking first-time cheekpieces, something that is bound to benefit him as he has shown tendencies to hang in his races and William Haggas’ strike rate with first-time cheekpieces is favourable (see tweet below).

    Connections entered Naqeeb into the Gold Cup at this very meeting hoping he would turn into a Group 1 horse, but he bombed out in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup on his latest start, so they have lowered their sights to the Copper Horse Handicap instead.

    However, one can partially see why they thought he may end up in the marquee race of the royal meeting as he finished second to Middle Earth (a Group 3 winner with Melbourne Cup aspirations) on his third career start before bolting up at Kempton in a novice event.

    That form looks good and he is unexposed in handicap company having won on his only delve into this sphere, so Naqeeb is a bet here.

    As for Lmay, the 650,000gns yearling purchase is by Frankel and comes from that lucrative Juddmonte family of Logician, Okeechobee, and Suffused.

    This is her handicap debut as she contested Listed, Group 3, and Group 2 races last season, notably when a close third in the Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster.

    Her form with Sumo Sam, One Evening, Tregony, Warm Heart, and Bluestocking is very solid for a horse rated 96 and she’s bound to come on for her run at York in the Group 3 Bronte Cup Fillies’ Stakes.

  • Royal Ascot 2024 | King Charles III win can cement Big Evs

    Royal Ascot 2024 | King Charles III win can cement Big Evs

    As Royal Ascot 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, Big Evs is poised to complete a fairytale year in the King Charles III Stakes.

    With the glitz and glamour of the Berkshire showpiece ready for another edition, 35 races are on the menu for the week once more.

    One of the big draw sprints on opening day – formerly known as the King’s Stand – can Mick Appleby’s hugely likeable colt add to his growing reputation?

     

    Dream debut season

    Seeking a fourth win on the trot this week, Big Evs burst onto the scene 12 months ago, as a 20/1 winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes.

    However, in just his second race, it proved no fluke.

    The Group 3 Molecomb followed at Glorious Goodwood, and though a disappointing outing in the Nunthorpe came later last August, Group 1 success was not far off.

    Winning the Flying Childers at the Ebor Festival, the team’s first trip away from home took in the Breeders’ Cup.

    Glory coming in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita by half a length over Valliant Force, Big Evs was a made name.

     

    Fairy story

    Since last year’s Royal Ascot, Big Evs’ story has become a rite of passage for racing fans and pundits.

    A runner who came from the wilderness last June for glory, the story of this horse is made from the true essence of fairy tale.

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    Named in honour of owner Paul Teasdale’s good friend, Paul Evans, ‘Big Evs’, the 3yo has honoured his passing.

    The team of Appleby and Teasdale have proved quite the duo and back-to-back Royal Ascot success could set Big Evs for a thoroughbred career.

     

    Regional rivals

    His main foe for the King Charles – in the markets at least – looks to be Callum Rodriguez and Regional.

    Making his Ascot debut, the gelding is double the age, but already has Group 1 success from last Autumn’s Sprint Stakes at York.

    Ed Bethell’s hoper also comes here from a runner-up in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh in April, however, in elite company, Regional has not won over 5f.

    Meanwhile, Twilight Calls and Ryan Moore return for another crack at the crown.

    Having finished fourth last year, Henry Candy’s fancy trailed home the electric Nature Strip two years ago for second.

    If Twilight Calls finally gets some fortune, with and okay draw and with the ground as it is, could 2024 finally be third time lucky at 12/1 with William Hill?

    One big punt who could be worth a look, Valliant Force was another huge-price Royal Ascot story last year, and as we have documented, has more than a little history with Big Evs.

    A 150/1 sensation in the Norfolk Stakes in 2023, the Amo Racing colt has not won since, but pushed Big Evs all the way in the Breeders’ Cup.

    A real nippy sprinter, the weather looks to be playing ball and again seems a great shout at 16/1 with BoyleSports.

     

    The King Charles III Stakes takes place on Tuesday at 3:45pm UK time.