DAY ONE
This years Royal meeting at Ascot will be the usual fashion stakes and social event, hey even the Queen will be there ... but is it a meeting for real racegoers or just a fashion parade?
Well if you can get in and fight through the crowds (or better still grab yourself a bit of hospitality ahem thanks Betfair) then at least you can say you are seeing some of the best racing of the season with Group races each day, top class sprints and big field competitive handicaps.
Six races to enjoy starting at 2.30 with the Queen Anne stakes over the straight mile course. Richard Hannon saddles the fav here with TORONADO winner of last years Sussex Stakes and likely to be short price to land this event. If you want something at more attractive odds you would want to have a look at the French raider ANODIN they don't send many over the channel without having a big chance and 12/1 looks worth a few bob ew. [Winner and 3rd. Good start to the afternoon.]
The Coventry stakes is our second race and takes place at 3.05 over the straight 6f track. The 2yo race has attracted a field of 16 and it's a minefield with all bar one having winning form. JUSTICE GOOD looks progressive and with Ryan Moore booked for the ride and odds of 16/1 I think we'll side with that one and hope the low draw is not adverse. [Just run out of it at the line, finished a close 4th]
At 3.45 our first Group 1 race of the week is the Kings Stand sprint over 5f, the first 4 home from last year all take their place again and last years winner SOLE POWER will be strongly fancied to follow up again. Of the rest the 3yo GUERRE from Aiden O'Brien appeals having only run 3 times and the master of Ballydoyle wouldn't drop him in at the deep end without a chance. [WINNER 5/1]
The feature event is at 4.25 the Group 1 St James's Palace stakes over a mile on the round course. Looks a rematch between KINGMAN and KNIGHT OF THUNDER and while it might seem foolish to write off the others, a repeat of their 2000 Guiness effort should see them pull clear. I think KNIGHT OF THUNDER can go in again, he veered across the course at HQ that day and if he can keep a straight line then he's a few lengths to the good on that run. [Kingman won well fair play at odds on]
At 5.00 it's the Ascot Stakes over the Gold Cup distance of 2m 4f for 4yo's+. 20 Runners they could be well strung out by the end of this, and we fancy BALLINDERRY BOY from Andrew Balding to confirm last years good form over 2m with the step up to 2m 4f sure to suit on breeding.
And we finish on Tuesday with the Windsor Castle stakes over 5f and 25 are declared for that event so good luck there especially if you still in the Jackpot / Placepot (no doubt I won't be after leg 1 as usual).
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