Thursday Weather update -- There was a slim chance of showers today and any early rain in the south should soon clear on Thursday then along with Friday, dry with sunny spells. High of 25C.
Going -- GOOD TO FIRM
DAY THREE
Gold Cup day, also known as LADIES DAY -- 'but hang on' I hear you shout -- every day is Ladies Day here are Royal Ascot, you just can't move for the amount of dresses and hats on show, even the Essex Girls have made an effort and the fake tan is giving off a nice orange glow in the silver ring.
Before we reach the big one we've a few other decent events to take in, which will start at 2:30 with the NORFOLK STAKES over 5f for 2yos.
18 runners declared, this won't be easy to determine, so we side with a pair against the field are reasonable odds of reward. First up is IT DONT COME EASY and we pair with Irish raider TRUE BLUE MOON.
The American challenge has had a mixed start on day one so MCERIN from Wesley Ward shouldn't be discounted but might be an uneasy favourite so is opposed in this large field of 2yo.
2:30 Royal Ascot -- Norfolk Stakes (5f)
RESULT
1st -- SIOUX NATION 14/1
2nd -- SANTRY 13/2
3rd -- CARDSHARP 8/1
At 3:05 we have the HAMPTON COURT STAKES and it's a Group 3 for 3yos over 1m 2f. Nice of them to return to the original name this season.
16 runners line up for this renewal, a trio of which are Godolphin inmates of which BENBATL looks the pick on his credible 5th in the Derby and previous good runs in The Dante and Craven Stakes.
Aidan O'Brien runs two and I'd side with TAJ MAHAL despite Ryan Moore riding Orderofthegarter.
3:05 Royal Ascot -- Hampton Court Stakes (1m 2f)
RESULT
1st -- BENBATL 9/2
2nd -- ORDEROFTHEGARTER 100/30F
3rd -- MIRAGE DANCER 7/1
3:40 is the RIBBLESDALE STAKES a Group 2 event for 3yo Fillies (well it IS ladies day).
Of the dozen declared there are a few that come into this with just maiden form to speak of but must be doing something at home to warrant an entry into a decent Group 2.
However at least there's some listed form for both NAUGHTY OR NICE and ASTRONOMY'S CHOICE and with them both being forecast about 12/1 it would be interesting to try and back them both in the win/place markets against the field. It however a really hard race to call on the form available.
3:40 Royal Ascot -- Ribblesdale Stakes (1m 4f)
RESULT
1st -- CORONET 9/1
2nd -- MORE 2/1F
3rd -- HERTFORD DANCER 16/1
4:20 Ascot -- THE ASCOT GOLD CUP 2m 4f
The Gold Cup is the feature race of the whole week as far as I am concerned, despite all the other Group 1 races I think the mix of Ladies Day and the stayers makes this the day to attend and this year ought to be another cracker.
A field of 14 declared with a warm order favourite in ORDER OF ST GEORGE won this well last year and is going to be difficult to beat once more though the short odds temper his appeal for a betting perspective.
Two against the favourite and indeed the field that I've seen in action this season are SWEET SELECTION who really showed his staying prowess winning here in the Sagaro Stakes over 2m I believe he'll stay this extra trip no problem and is still progressive.
Another one at a massive price is TRIP TO PARIS, the winner of this two years ago and 4th in the Melbourne Cup too and although getting on a bit could well be thereabouts again and make the frame (forecast 33/1).
4:20 Royal Ascot -- THE ASCOT GOLD CUP (2m 4f)
RESULT
1st -- BIG ORANGE 5/1
2nd -- ORDER OF ST GEORGE 5/6F
3rd -- HARBOUR LAW 33/1
5:00 is the BRITANNIA STAKES over the straight mile. Only 30 runners (3 reserves declared) so nice and easy as you can tell.
Top weights seem to go well in these big handicaps here so worth a good look at RUSUMAAT who's forecast 25/1 and drawn 25 too.
In the middle (drawn 17) we've Ryan Moore on board CITY OF JOY and that one is seeking a hat-trick and has winning form on Good to firm going so 10/1 probably won't last too long.
5.00 Royal Ascot -- Britannia Stakes (1m)
RESULT
1st --
2nd --
3rd --
5:35 -- KING GEORGE V STAKES over 1m 4f for 3yos and only the 22 runners for this one.
Top weight is Aidan O'Brien HOMESMAN and a winner twice this season gives him an excellent chance despite the burden of 9st 7lb. Might do well to give the weight to the likes of DROCHAID / MISTER MANDURO and the finale for day three couldn't be more competitive.
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