ROYAL ASCOT 2021. DAY FIVE SATURDAY 19th JUNE

DAY FIVE
Welcome to this our final day of this season's Royal Ascot 2021 festival meeting.
SATURDAY WEATHER UPDATE -- Mixed weather throughout this period with a minimal risk of rain but will be very cloudy throughout the day and a high of 21C. Following plenty of rain yesterday the going has changed to soft and we might see a flurry of non runners having been declared on good earlier in the week. 
Official Going Report - Soft (Heavy in places).

The fifth and final day comes around on Saturday, been a hectic week, I still remember this as the "family day" known as Ascot Heath meeting where everyone could come along and not have to dress up. That's all long gone now and it's just day five for everyone and features the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes off at 4:20. Next year we'd expect this to be changed to the Platinum Jubilee but for now let's focus on the fashion, the weather (very British) and all the big races for Saturday;

2:30 Royal Ascot - Chesham Stakes (2yo)
7f  10 runners
A listed race for 2yo and just the ten runners declared to take the stage for Saturdays' opener. Could be a battle between the Godolphin runner New Science (Charlie Appleby) a winner at Yarmouth and Point Lonsdale (Aiden O'Brien) who scored at the Curragh. However with other debut winners on show we will take the pair of GREAT MAX [M Bell] and MASEKELA [A Balding] against the field. Significant support for HM The Queen's Reach for the Moon who was runner up to New Science at Yarmouth on debut would be interesting and hopefully we see a big run in the famous colours to end the week on a high (2nd 11/1).
RESULT
1st - (4) Point Lonsdale @10/11f [Ryan Moore].

3:05 Royal Ascot - Jersey Stakes (3yo) [Group 3]
7f  19 runners
A Group 3 flat race for three-year-old horses run over seven furlongs used to be run on Wednesday now returned to it's regular place on the Saturday. Most of the field here are stepping up from either handicap or listed class to try a group three. The French challenger FAST RAAJ has won a group three at Deauville last time out and should be high on the agenda for this, both MUTASAABEQ and NAVAL CROWN tried their luck in the 2000 Guineas but finished 7th and 4th respectively. CREATIVE FORCE [Won 5/1] runs for Godolphin here and is three from three this season and won't mind any rain looks fairly versatile (also have Naval Crown and Storm Damage). 

There are two runners for HM The Queen in this, TACTICAL looks the preference of the pair rated slightly higher to LIGHT REFRAIN and we can try and back both of these in the place markets.
RESULT
1st - (4) Creative Force @5/1 [James Doyle].

3.40 Royal Ascot - Hardwicke Stakes [Group 2]
1m 4f  10 runners
This is a Group Two contest which used to be farmed by Sir Michael Stoute and he relies on HIGHEST GROUND today, ought to go well but is facing some high class competition. Aiden O'Brien saddles four here, including the highest rated horse in the field with JAPAN, though Ryan Moore has chosen BROOME which is interesting so we'll see who comes out on top in that battle. Winner of his last six races and improving all the time ILARAAB will have to find more to be successful at this level but anything is possible for his yard. At the bottom of the race card we see the filly WONDERFUL TONIGHT [WON @5/1] and I do fancy this one having been successful in France last year in the Group One Qatar Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp and followed that up here with a victory on champions day.

RESULT
1st - (15) Wonderful Tonight @5/1 [W Buick].

4:20 Royal Ascot - DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES [Group 1]
6f  12 runners
Today's Group 1 and 18 declared for the sprint, the race worth just under £400,000 to the winner fourteen in the line up though although looks a quality field with an international flavour. A field headed by Art Power. The main one in the field would appear to be Ed Walker's STARMAN [N/r], a winner at York where he had the Kings Stand winner Oxted in third, although his only defeat so far came here on soft going so the rain is a worry and his participation must be in question. Dream Of Dreams has run in this before and usually finishes fast and late should be doing so again. NAHAAR is another to place high on the shortlist having finished very close up to Starman at York last time having also won the Ayr Gold Cup too, and this six furlong trip ought to suit. Glen Shiel was progressive last year winning five times, including a win here on Champions Day.
RESULT
1st - (2) Dream Of Dreams @3/1f [Ryan Moore].

5:00 Royal Ascot - Wokingham Stakes Heritage Handicap
6f  21 runners
It's just not Royal Ascot without a massive field handicap and today we've the Wokingham and 28 initially declared (several non runners now) worth over £64,000 to the winner due to the reduced prize funds during the covid period but still a big prize. With the market about 7/1+ the field this will be impossible to predict and the size of the field means plenty of hard luck stories for sure ... good luck if you still in the placepot too. Field is led by Snazzy Jazzy for who Laura Pearson claims a useful 5lb, even so the combination of seasonal reappearance with a big weight and on the forecast soft/heavy ground I fancy others to be more effective. Chil Chil [N/r] is a respected course and distance winner, put up 9lb for convincing win at Newmarket last time, began handicapping off a mark of 63 now has to race off 106. Another who has managed to make a mockery of their opening mark is ROHAAN [WON 8/1] trained by David Evans, Made successful handicap debut off 55 and now finds himself rated a remarkable 57lb higher after wins in a course and distance listed contest and the Sandy Lane (Group 2) at Haydock. Last years winner HEY JONESY is also fancied to go well again, seems to run better in big fields competing in the likes of the Ayr Gold Cup and Stewards Cup at Goodwood today could be his turn again.
Lively Outsider - David O'Meara runs GULLIVER who was successful up at York last autumn on soft. Didn't show much over the winter on the all weather however shaped as if back in better form when returning to York latest. Previously ran fourth in this off 3lb higher last year and soft ground would suit so the current rain speaks in his favour.

RESULT
1st - (4) Rohaan @8/1 [Shane Kelly].

5:35 Royal Ascot - The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)
1m 2f  14 runners
The new contest for Saturday but not the finale as we stick with the traditional closing event later, this is a 10f race for 3yo horses, a field of 16 with 3 in reserve, which we might need given the change of going conditions. The handicap is led by Joseph O'Brien's ISLE OF SARK who only raced three times but was thrown into a Group 3 on only the second outing, time will tell if this handicap mark is a fair one or not. Joseph also has VISUALISATION here in the colours of his mother, a winner of three out of his six races and the most recent was a Curragh handicap on heavy ground so won't appear to be too inconvenienced by the recent rain. Mark Johnston had a day to remember on Thursday with the Gold Cup winner and his KING FRANKEL having been runner up twice, could still have a big say if he doesn't meet trouble in running again (met traffic problems at Epsom last time).
Lively Outsider - Brian Meehan's GLENTANEOUS comfortably landed the odds second time up in at Lingfield in February. Went down fighting under a penalty against another good prospect since and further progress not ruled out up in trip available at 33/1.
RESULT
1st - (10) Foxes Tales @13/2 [Oisin Murphy].

6:10 Royal Ascot - Queen Alexandra Stakes
2m 6f  16 runners
We conclude with the longest distance race on the Flat calendar, an event that is often targeted by the National Hunt trainers. This marathon race was won last year by Alan King's WHO DARES WINS, a smart dual-purpose performer who  should be a lot fitter for his return in a Chester handicap. Obviously can't be discounted, although this looks a stronger renewal with work cut out to see off the likes of FALCON EIGHT. Dermot Weld's inmate won the Chester Cup last time and Frankie Dettori takes the ride once more clearly looks the one to beat here. Stratum is the main chance of Willie Mullins here, previous winner of the Cesarewitch on soft ground, usually makes the running and will have Ryan Moore today, rain will not be an issue so huge opportunity. Might be competition for the lead even in a race over this trip with Stag Horn another likely to go on from the front, winner of three races of 2m+ (9L winner at Pontefract) finished fourth behind Stradivarius here in the Sagaro Stakes.
RESULT
1st - (14) Stratum @4/1 [Ryan Moore].

That's all for Royal Ascot this year, been difficult as always, but we found enough winners to say we'll be back next year. For now it's goodbye and a quick return to the normal meetings starting with Pontefract tomorrow and then Kempton Park next Wednesday. Plus plenty of action in the European Football Championships and England facing Czech Republic on Tuesday. 

ROYAL ASCOT 2021. DAY FOUR FRIDAY 18th JUNE

Friday Weather update - Was hoping for a better day on Friday but there is a 90% chance of rain and indeed it's been coming down very heavily this morning. Might develop into some thunder later, the temperature also takes a dive in middle of June and a high of 15C is all we can expect today. Will update the going report if the rain is sufficient to alter it, it has now been changed to soft, causing a number of non runners today.
Official Going Report - Soft (becoming Heavy later).

DAY FOUR
Well done to all connected with yesterdays Ascot Gold Cup winner SUBJECTIVIST for trainer Mark Johnston and jockey Joe Fanning a superb ride from the front to take the stayers crown away from the favourite STRADAVARIUS who met all the trouble in running and never looked like winning his fourth title this year. Hope you finding a few more winners this week, and making most of the glorious sunshine as the thunder storms are due any moment.

2:30 Royal Ascot - Albany Stakes (2yo) [Group 3]
6f  15 runners
The opening race is at 2:30 it's the Albany Stakes a race for 2yo fillies and has a field of 15 runners declared for a 6f dash. The Crisford yard sent out FLOTUS to win by over 4L on debut at Goodwood though the form took a knock when the runner up that day came last next time out. Aiden O'Brien relies on PRETTIEST a winner of a Navan maiden and could be anything from this strong ownership. Hello You is another to consider having won her opener by 6L+ where the fourth that day Sunstrike also went on to win in her next race and reappears again this afternoon.
RESULT
1st - (13) Sandrine @16/1 [David Probert].

3:05 Royal Ascot - King Edward VII Stakes [Group 2]
1m 4f  6 runners
The King Edward VII Stakes is next off at 3:05 just the eight declared 3yo's here led by Gear Up [Mark Johnston]. Winner of Group races as a 2yo was probably tilting at windmills in the Epsom Derby and this drop in class is more likely. Winner of a classic trial at Sandown ALENQUER went off 25/1 there and is likely to be about 6/4f today. The horse he beat that day Adayar went on to win the Epsom Derby so must be taken seriously today. Both Title (Highclere) and Yibr [N/r] (Godolphin) represent strong owners and may well improve for time, this looks a bit too hot, so the main danger probably seems to be THE MEDITERRANEAN from Aiden O'Brien. 
RESULT
1st - (2) Alenquer @13/8f [Tom Marquand].

2020 Commonwealth Cup won by Golden Horde

3:40 Royal Ascot - Commonwealth Cup [Group 1]
6f  15 runners
A relatively new race at 3:40 is the Commonwealth Cup a Group 1 contest run over 6f for 3yo's. The event was only added to the meeting in 2015, is part of the British Champions Series and is worth just under £200k to the winner. CAMPANELLE [Won 5/1] came over from the States to win the Queen Mary last year and Frankie Dettori can once again get this filly to the front again. Diligent Harry [N/r] won at the all weather championship finals day but this ground, along with a huge field is a different proposition, Dragon Symbol lost by the smallest of margins in soft ground at Haydock last time and will see redemption, also has the highest rating here. The French raider SUESA is unbeaten after four runs at Chantilly, twice successful at group three level is one to take very seriously here in the famous colours of Mr George Strawbridge.
RESULT
1st - (13) Campanelle @5/1 [L Dettori].

4:20 Royal Ascot - Coronation Stakes (3yo) [Group 1]
1m (round course)  11 runners
Another fillies event at 4:20 is the Coronation Stakes run on the round mile track and limited to 3yo's, there are thirteen declared including representatives from the Uk, Ireland and Germany. Alcohol Free was 5th in the 1000 Guineas, not a bad run, and the famous Jeff Smith colours should be seen close to the fore. Aiden O'Brien has a pair of runners, Empress Josephine winner of the Irish 1000 classic, and Mother Earth who took the Newmarket version then runner up in France, not much between them though Ryan Moore has chosen the latter. O'Brien's sons Joseph and Donnacha saddle Pretty Gorgeous and Shale respectively. The German challenge is NOVEMBA, trained by former German Champion jockey Peter Schiergen and his runner was the German 1000 Guineas winner, the trainer has come over before to win the Coronation Cup so shouldn't be completely dismissed. POTAPOVA is a highly promising type who has landed both starts in novices with any amount in hand, cruising away to land  the odds at Redcar and Sir Michael Stoute's runners are always respected here.
Lively outsider - Fev Rover ran a huge race to finish third in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, then didn't get a clear run in the Irish equivalent last month. Likeable sort who can't be discounted and available at around 25/1.
RESULT
1st - (1) Alcohol Free @11/2 [Oisin Murphy].

5.00 Royal Ascot - Sandringham Stakes
1m  22 runners
The biggest field today as thirty runners are declared for the straight mile contest, a race that Hayley Turner has won for the past two years so will be interested to see if there is support for her on Professional Widow (another 33/1 shot). Godolphin silks have been having a good week so far and they are doubly represented with Divine Light (W Buick) and A'Shaari (James Doyle) both trained by Charlie Appleby. I'll take a pair against the field which will include JP O'Brien's CAMDEBOO the filly won well at Cork on only second start and then ran with credit in a listed event back there, should go well. Also side with FAR HOPE who might not have beaten much at Brighton last time, but has acquitted herself well and the jockey claims a useful 5lb also rode a winner on Wednesday.
RESULT
1st - (6) Create Belief @6/1 [Ben Coen].

5.35 Royal Ascot - Duke of Edinburgh Stakes
1m 4f  14 runners
The penultimate race on Friday off at 5:35 is the Duke of Edinburgh stakes over 1m 4f. A very poignant race this year following the passing of Prince Phillip in April. Last years winner Scarlet Dragon returns for Alan King and reunited with Hollie Doyle, a repeat isn't out of the question, trainer also runs Raymond Tusk (Jim Crowley) as well as Tritonic (Ryan Moore). William Buick is having a decent week and could have a decent chance on WIN O'CLOCK here, productive throughout last year his decent 4th in a York handicap on latest start gives him claims again. While the lightly raced AADDEEY trounced his opponents last time, could still have more to come and another to side with against the field in a fairly open race.
RESULT
1st - (13) Quickthorn @7/2f [Oisin Murphy].

6:10 Royal Ascot - Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (3yo)
5f  22 runners
The finale for Friday is another new race for 2021 named after the Scottish Parliament the Palace of Holyroodhouse stakes a five furlong dash for three year olds. A huge field of 25 were initially declared so not going to be an easy task, but we do fancy WARRIOR BRAVE already a winner three times and runner up in a listed contest at Sandown last weekend, is due to go up 7lb in the handicap as a result of that run so must be high on any shortlist today. Elsewhere also considering BOOMSHALA trained by Roger Varian, raced three times and won last two novice events now moves into handicap company clearly in good heart. The sequence of wins for MO CELITA may not be coming to end just yet under Oisin Murphy, especially if there are more thunderstorms as predicted, has also changed owners since that last Haydock win.
RESULT
1st - (8) Significantly @10/1 [C Lee].

And that's all for Friday, last day tomorrow, hopefully you are doing as well as we are this week. For all that talk when Ireland were dominant at Cheltenham I haven't seen them have many winners this week eh? We also have the England vs Scotland game to follow this evening in the European Championship kick off at 8pm. 

ROYAL ASCOT 2021. DAY THREE THURSDAY 17th JUNE

Thursday Weather update - The weather takes a turn on Thursday as the rain is expected today and likely to continue through the rest of the week. The temperature is still on the high side despite this with a max of 19C I hope this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of Ladies Day. 

DAY THREE 
Going -- Good [Good to Firm in places]
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 a big effort and the fake tan is giving off a nice orange glow in the Queen Anne enclosure and betting ring. The meeting continues with a limited allocation of 12,000 spectators in attendance and might witness some history as Frankie Dettori will be seeking a record-equalling fourth Gold Cup on Stradivarius for trainers John and Thady Gosden this afternoon. 

2:30 Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes [Group 2]

5f  16 runners

Before we reach the big race today we've a few other decent events to take in, racing will start at 2:30 with the Norfolk Stakes over 5f for 2yos. Sixteen line up for the opening contest, an easy winner of a Dundalk maiden CADAMOSTO represents Aiden O'Brien and certain to attract plenty of interest, while LUCCI is the pick of the Wesley Ward pair. A very open renewal so will side with GO BEARS GO won here on his sole start and made all that day so one of the likely ones while ANDREAS VESALIUS has come on with each race for Joseph O'Brien and that's my pair against the field.
RESULT
1st - (12) Perfect Power @14/1 [P Hanagan].

3:05 Royal Ascot - Hampton Court Stakes [Group 3]

1m 1f 212y  10 runners

The Hampton Court Stakes is a Group 3 contest for 3yos over a shade under 1m 2f. Nice of them to retain the original race name this season, we've a field of ten runners line up for this renewal, some fine looking thoroughbreds here with Godolphin dually represented One Ruler hasn't shown enough this season so SECRET PROTECTOR is the one to be considering from Charlie Appleby yard. MOHAAFETH has continued to improve as a 3yo and is upped to Group company now, this Frankel colt should fine this course, distance and going all to his liking for trainer William Haggas. Roman Empire should improve for the run back on Good ground but doesn't look like an outstanding candidate from Aiden O'Brien but might place at a good price.

RESULT
1st - (3) Mohaafeth @11/8f [Jim Crowley].

3:40 Royal Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes [Group 2]

1m 3f 211y  13 runners

Time for the Ribblesdale Stakes a Group 2 event for 3yo fillies (plenty of races for the fillies mares well it IS ladies day after all). Thirteen runners, while the Gosden team won this last year they have three runners today trying to follow up, GLORIA MUNDI looks the pick of the trio and Frankie Dettori rides (also run Loving Dream and Taslima). Sir Michael Stoute usually goes well with his runners here, NOON STAR went off favourite for a Group 3 but was firmly beaten and might well find one too good again. ESHAADA has one both starts including a victory over Gloria Mundi and this well bred filly ought to be close again.
RESULT
1st - (5) Loving Dream @18/1 [Robert Havlin].

4:20 Royal Ascot - THE ASCOT GOLD CUP [Group 1]

2m 3f 210y  13 runners
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. This is a big opportunity for a little bit of history if STRADIVARIUS can pick up his fourth Gold Cup to emulate Yates record (2006-2009). A very convincing winner here last year the field of twelve opponents on paper doesn't look that strong again and really ought to be a banker of the meeting. Plenty of big prices about most of the opposition but Mark Johnston knows plenty about the staying challenge so his inmate SUBJECTIVIST [WON @13/2] should be followed and was successful in Dubai and Longchamp over two miles so clearly has plenty of talent over the marathon trips (stable also runs Nayef Road a previous winner of the Ascot Sagaro stakes). The Irish challenge has plenty of runners, Aiden O'Brien sends three Amhran Na Bhfiann, Santiago and last year's Derby hero Serpentine. Son Joseph runs Twilight Payment while Donnacha has Emperor of the Sun but these are all stepping up in class (apart from Serpentine but stamina is unproven). 
THE ASCOT GOLD CUP
RESULT
1st - (12) Subjectivist @13/2 [J Fanning].

Stradivarius winning here again in 2020

5.00 Royal Ascot - Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)

1m  30 runners

The Britannia Stakes over the straight mile and for three year olds only. Just the 30 runners to review and 8/1 the field so nice and easy as you can tell. Sir Mark Prescott runners should be feared in any handicap his runner today ROYAL PLEASURE has never been out of the first two, like most here will never have faced such a large field, but has the speed to stay out of trouble and should have a big say in the outcome if transferring all weather form to turf. MITHRAS could be better than a handicapper, Gosden / Dettori team up again a winner of a decent handicap at Newbury will prefer this ground instead of the soft last time while also add in AERION POWER for Sir Michael Stoute and the King Power Racing team a winner of his last three races albeit in small fields.
Lively Outsider - BIG NARSTIE, Hayley Turner rides and often pops up on big price runners, she'll be buoyed by the recent second placing of this one here on good to soft, so if the expected rain falls would be in with a chance at 33/1.
RESULT
1st - (8) Perotto @18/1 [Oisin Murphy].

5.35 Royal Ascot - King George V Stakes

1m 3f 211y  19 runners

Only the 19 runners for this one (3 reserves declared too, coincidentally all Mark Johnston runners). Plenty of big named trainers here and should be a good pace up front though it's 7/1 the field and another minefield for selections. Aiden O'Brien is responsible for three and possibly the market leader Sir Lamorak (R Moore), also Sir William Bruce (JA Heffernan) and San Martino (W Lordan). While Mark Johnston has two runners (plus 3 reserves) with Kondo Isami [B A Curtis] and Soapy Stevens ridden by Franny Norton.
Her Majesty is represented by JUST FINE [R Kingscote] Sir Michael Stoute's runner will need to shrug off a poor effort last time but is 25/1 as a result and there would be no-one more excited than his 95 year old owner.

RESULT
1st - (16) Surefire @5/1 [Hector Crouch].

6.10 Royal Ascot - The Buckingham Palace Stakes

7f  29 runners

The finale on Gold Cup day is a huge handicap with 29 runners declared, with the market showing 8/1 the field this will not be easy at all, we could well see some big prices in the top four places. Jamie Osborne's handicappers are respected here and he runs RAISING SAND a course and distance winner ridden by Saffie Osborne who takes off a valuable 5lb. Clive Cox is another trainer to keep onside and he runs DANCE FEVER (A Kirby) though has a lack of big field experience still looks to have some speed over this trip so if they can keep up with the leaders might be able to kick on at the finish. ALDAARY is another course / distance winner for trainer William Haggas winner of his first three events but a beaten favourite last time out, still one to keep on the shortlist. 

Lively Outsider - RIOT, John Gosden trained if he stands his ground for this he has a low weight to carry, Champion jockey Oisin Murphy rides 20/1+ looks interesting. 3rd 18/1

RESULT
1st - (30) Highfield Princess @18/1 [Jason Hart].

Results from today have been updated during the early evening, and we've still got Friday and Saturday to enjoy and if this wasn't enough there's another meeting from Pontefract to savour on Sunday afternoon too.

ROYAL ASCOT 2021. DAY TWO WEDNESDAY 16th JUNE

Wednesday Weather update - It's going to be another hot sunny day on Wednesday, today's maximum temperature of 27C means you want to stay hydrated and find some shade if you can as it's a long day.
Official Going Report - Good to firm.

DAY TWO
Hope you enjoyed yourselves with day one, am still expecting more good weather again today and we will have more Group 1 action with the feature contest Prince of Wales Stakes off at 4:20 and the big handicap of the day is the Royal Hunt Cup off at 5pm. With the exception of the Prince of Wales race huge fields are the order of the day, hopefully all the horses remain in good order in this heat and we've no dramas at the start. There is still a limited attendance of 12,000 spectators all week but it's a beginning for a return to larger crowds soon with Goodwood coming up next month.

2:30 Royal Ascot - Queen Mary Stakes (2yo) [Group 2]
5f  21 runners

Once the royal party has arrived and settled down we will start today with the Queen Mary Stakes off at 2:30. This Group 2 for 2yo fillies usually throws up a good one to follow for the rest of the season and a big field of twenty-two are declared to do battle today. Plenty in with chances of course, but would want to take a good look in the parade ring as 2yo's can be bit anxious especially with big crowd and company. 
As we saw on the opening day Wesley Ward has an interesting runner over from America with TWILIGHT GLEAMING a winner of her second race at Belmont and needs to be taken very seriously with John Velazquez over for the ride, Frankie Dettori is onboard another American filly ARTOS and the two look quite lively in the opening show. Aiden O'Brien only fields one, relying on YET winner of a Dundalk maiden from Orinoco River who also lines up again. 

Lively Outsider - with the yard going well this year and their 2yo's impressive BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE can be backed to win/place here for trainer George Boughey was sent off odds on favourite for both her novice wins and has shown plenty of speed albeit in much smaller fields. 
RESULT
1st - (18) Quick Suzy @8/1 [Gary Carroll].

3:05 Royal Ascot - Queen's Vase Stakes [Group 2]
1m 6f 34y  14 runners
The Queen's Vase next up at 3:05 and a field of 14 line up. A very strong Irish contingent here with six of the thirteen and most of them fancied in the market. Aiden O'Brien has three including the two favourites (at time of publishing that is) both Arturo Toscanini as well as Wordsworth run for the Coolmore owners, while his other runner Kyprios is part owned by Moyglare Stud is hard to pick from the three maybe Wordsworth just edging it and the choice of Ryan Moore. Other Irish runners include Benaud, Ruling (both J O'Brien) and Taipan from Jessica Harrington. 
The home challenge is led by John Gosden three runners STOWELL (L Dettori), Law of the Sea and Pied Piper while the winning run of Mark Johnston's DANCING KING is going to be put to the test, but wouldn't rule out a huge run again.
RESULT
1st - (6) Kemari @15/2 [W Buick].

3:40 Royal Ascot - Duke of Cambridge Stakes [Group 2]
1m  12 runners

The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is off at 3:40 and this Group 2 for fillies and mares has attracted a field of thirteen, despite having to give the field weight (5lb in most cases for last years Group One success) CHAMPERS ELYSEES could still be the one to catch for Johnny Murtagh. Excuses on soft/heavy going this season and will surely relish the return to a faster surface. The one to be aware of is LADY BOWTHORPE if she can repeat her Lockinge Stakes run is clearly a danger, while the King Power Racing colours are carried by QUEEN POWER and having taken another group contest at York in some style (ran away winning by 8L) there ought to be a battle up front in the final furlong.

Lively Outsider - Although only 4th in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, INDIE ANGEL [WON 22/1] was a couple of lengths behind the trio of Lady Bowthorpe (1st), Queen Power (head 2nd) and Lavender's Blue (neck 3rd it was a quality renewal the Dettori factor could get her into the places at 25/1 on current show?

RESULT
1st - (8) Indie Angel @22/1 [Frankie Dettori].

4:20 Royal Ascot -- Prince of Wales's Stakes [Group 1]
1m 1f 212y  7 runners

Today's Group 1 race THE PRINCE OF WALES STAKES goes off at 3:40. Just the seven declared so it's a small and select field and includes last year's winner LORD NORTH [Non Runner] who ended last season with a creditable 4th in the Breeders Cup Turf, then went over to Dubai to win a Group One there should be tough to beat again. The likes of LOVE a multiple classic winner and successful again at this level in Yorkshire Oaks makes her seasonal return though might want a little further is hugely respected, trainer Aiden O'Brien also has Armory too on the back of his win at Chester. Sangarius was put in his place in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown last time while My Oberon will prefer this surface to the soft going encountered in France which leaves with Desert Encounter and Audarya [2nd 10/1] to complete the field. The latter could be one to watch having been placed over in Paris at the Arc meeting then won at the Breeders Cup, but this is her seasonal return and took a couple of races to get going last term.

RESULT
1st - (7) Love @11/10f [Ryan Moore].

5:00 Royal Ascot - Royal Hunt Cup
1m  30 runners

The big handicap of the day is the Royal Hunt Cup at 5pm with only the 30 declared (excluding the three reserves) it's clearly fairly simple to pick and if you still in the placepot today, best of luck! The field will thunder down the straight mile course, would expect runners to split and I favour the far side though would depend where the bulk of the pace is early on. Lets try and pick two out of the pack to have an interest in, MAGICAL MORNING (J Gosden) was staying on to chase home the winner in a Doncaster handicap and like everyone will need some luck in runner with such a massive field. I also consider ASTRO KING (Sir M Stoute) who has a turn of foot if able to race up with the pace and strike late, was considered unlucky at Thirsk last time out, Ryan Moore in the saddle a big plus. Godolphin run REAL WORLD [WON 18/1] and this is a very lightly raced horse, all runs on dirt in Meydan so if there's any chance he takes to turf could be high up the list, but it's a big IF.
Lively Outsider - CLIFFS OF CAPRI. Has plenty of experience in big fields, and run at the Royal meeting before (4th Buckingham Palace Handicap) can use all that to his advantage and while not a young horse, the 7yo is surely overpriced here at 33/1
RESULT
1st - (28) Real World @18/1 [Marco Ghiani].

5:35 Royal Ascot - Windsor Castle Stakes
5f  27 runners

The penultimate event of the day is the Windsor Castle Stakes at 5pm with only the 28 declared (excluding the three reserves) it's clearly fairly simple to pick and if you still in the placepot today, best of luck! A big hand to the stalls handlers at the start for all their wonderful efforts with these big fields this week. A quick word for former top jockey Darryll Holland who has his first Royal Ascot runner today SILKS PASS, working with former champion jockey Kieren Fallon who is the assistant trainer at the yard which started with a team of 20 horses and this one was a winner up at Redcar on sole start good luck to you. Expect both GOLDEN BELL and RUTHIN to be popular in this huge field of lightly raced 2yo's and maybe BARGING THRU can do just that with Hollie Doyle riding for Archie Watson who has a trio of runners here.
RESULT
1st - (10) Chipotle @22/1 [Charles Bishop].

6:10 Royal Ascot - Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)
7f 213y  18 runners (Fillies and Mares)

We end the day with another new race for this years meeting, a handicap for fillies and mares which has attracted a field of eighteen and we will race on the round course. Field headed by the Sir Michael Stoute runner LIGHTS ON who has won her last two races in the famous Cheveley Park Stud silks, the most recent win was at this track and appears to be a big player despite the weight burden. So I Told You is also chasing a hat trick for Joseph O'Brien but those two wins at Sligo don't amount to a great deal in my view so we'll opt for STUNNING BEAUTY for Godolphin, three wins in the Uk having run in Dubai in far better races, the return to these shores and climate appears to have suited could still have more to offer for this well bred filly.

RESULT

1st - (16) Lola Showgirl @12/1 [Laura Pearson].

Results will be updated in the evening and we will have details for Thursday's Ascot Gold Cup card posted up as early as possible. Hope you enjoying the week thus far, we are as long as the big price winners keep coming, two more today, miles ahead. Nice. 

ROYAL ASCOT 2021. DAY ONE TUESDAY 15th JUNE

Tuesday Weather update - High Temp of 24C Starting dry. Plenty of cloud around too, especially during the morning, and while unlikely to get rain it's looking at being a very humid week. 
Official Going Report - Good [Good to Firm in places].
DAY ONE
This years Royal Ascot meeting will be the usual fashion stakes and social event, sadly this will be the first Royal Ascot meeting that Her Majesty The Queen may attend this year however sadly without her husband Prince Phillip, at the grand age of 95 she'll be accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla plus other members of the family throughout the week, Her Majesty may only show on a few days having been in Cornwall for the G7 leaders conference over the last few days. Next year will be her 70th year on the throne thus we should expect a Platinum Jubilee. A limited on course attendance is expected this year in accordance with Step 3 of the Government’s Roadmap, Royal Ascot, which runs from 15-19 June, will be permitted to host 12,000 spectators each day as part of a plan of additional 'test events', that is more than double what the race meeting had been expecting. There are now seven races on each day at the Royal meeting and races have returned to their traditional slots with the Queen Anne Stakes getting us underway on Tuesday, the first of three Group One races today.

2:30 Royal Ascot - Queen Anne Stakes [Group 1]

1m  11 runners
Seven races on the 2021 Royal Ascot cards this season and we begin at 2:30 with our first Group 1 of the meeting which is the Queen Anne Stakes over the straight mile course. We have a field of eleven lining up for our opener this year. The clear favourite and one of the bankers of the meeting is PALACE PIER winner of the St James' Palace at last years meeting and should be short price to get the Gosden/Dettori bandwagon rolling. The Kingman colt won a thrilling renewal of the St James’s Palace Stakes on the same card 12 months ago then went on to double his Group One tally in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. Having bolted up on his return to action at Sandown before slamming his rivals in the Lockinge at Newbury last month, Palace Pier is odds-on to get Royal Ascot punters off to a flyer in the hands of Frankie Dettori. Aiden O'Brien runs two and I prefer ORDER OF AUSTRALIA over Lope Y Fernandes the former was a Breeders Cup Mile winner last November at huge odds, and although this is his seasonal return ought to be placed.

Big Priced Outsider - Lord Glitters, won this two years ago, multiple Group winner in Dubai this year, 25/1 has plenty of ability. [4th @28/1]
RESULT
1st - (6) Palace Pier @2/7f [L Dettori].

3:05 Royal Ascot -- Coventry Stakes [Group 2]

6f  17 runners

The Coventry Stakes is our second race and takes place at 3.05 over the straight 6f track. This Group 2 race for 2yo's has attracted a field of seventeen and it's a minefield with only three of them having no winning form to boast about but all could run well so finding the winner here will be tricky. Aiden O'Brien only has one in the big field THE ACROPOLIS a twice raced colt with the big Coolmore owners, but only won a small Listowel maiden but could be anything. Elsewhere John Gosden has a pair and Frankie has picked Tolstoy (also runs Dhabab) while Wesley Ward often comes over from America with some good horses and his 2yo's are always fancied, this year he's running KAUFMAKER the only filly in today's line up the market will be very informative.
Big Priced Outsider - Vintage Clarets ran on well to take his second win at Ayr, looks a big price even in this huge field and an each way shot. 3rd 25/1
RESULT
1st - (2) Berkshire Shadow @11/1 [Oisin Murphy].

BATTASH WINS 2020 KING'S STAND 

3:40 Royal Ascot -- King's Stand Stakes [Group 1]

5f  16 runners
At 3.40 our second Group 1 race of the week is the King's Stand sprint over 5f, where sixteen runners will line up to charge down the course and the draw will be as vital as the splits for some. BATTASH was last years winner and will once again be in the line up to defend his title, but plenty of opposition and he'll need to be at his best to retain his sprint crown. The American challenge from trainer Brendan Walsh EXTRAVAGANT KID and Frankie Dettori has been booked, a winner in Dubai this winter and a multiple winner in his homeland, has the rating of one that can give Battash plenty to think about, while the other to have a lot of interest is a 3yo WINTER POWER (TD Easterby) the filly having won her last three races takes a big leap up in class now having first won a Redcar nursery event off 76 (now 114).

Big Priced Outsider - KEEP BUSY, kept good company and not far away in the G1 Prix de L'Abbaye at Longchamp last year, low key return at Haydock on heavy ground, will be suited by this return to a faster surface and Ryan Moore a positive at 25/1. 
RESULT
1st - (8) Oxted @4/1 [Cieren Fallon]

4:20 Royal Ascot -- St James's Palace Stakes [Group 1]
1m  13 runners
The feature event is at 4.20 the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes over a mile for 3yo colts and they race on the round course. Thirteen declared and a very strong Irish challenge where Aiden O'Brien runs three, Battleground, Ontario and Wembley, the latter would be my pick of those, though his son Joseph has THUNDER MOON who didn't exactly fire in the 2000 Guineas but still should have his supporters, the winner that day POETIC FLARE is also in the line up and Jim Bolger's runner has been busy racing in all the mile classics in Uk, Ireland and France. The home challenge is led by Charlie Appleby who runs both HIGHLAND AVENUE and LA BARROSA for the Godolphin team. We do think that the unbeaten MOSTAHDAF (John Gosden) should be supported while continuing to show improvement for the step up in class though some rain would have helped. 

Palace Pier Wins in 2020

RESULT
1st - (11) Poetic Flare @7/2 [K J Manning].

5:00 Royal Ascot -- Ascot Stakes
2m 4f  20 runners
At 5.00 it's the Ascot Stakes over the Gold Cup distance of 2m 4f for 4yo's+. Only the 20 runners here but unlike the sprint events I think they should be fairly strung out come the end and we'll focus on two against the field that should find the trip to their liking. Several NH trainers send representatives for this Willie Mullins has the trio of Rayapour, M C Muldoon and Royal Illusion all three likely to be supported. I prefer Mark Johnston's runners in the stayers events here and the trainer saddles three as well Lucky Deal, Trumpet Man [n/r] and Rochester House, the latter would be my choice from his entries. Trainer George Boughey has been having a good season so far and his first Royal Ascot entries include LOSTWITHIEL who has taken the step up to staying distances well and with Hollie Doyle in the saddle a big plus.
Big Priced Outsider - DALTON HIGHWAY Trained by Dermot Weld and will no doubt be aimed at the Galway Festival later in the summer is a dual purpose horse, still capable and sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap, effective on all types of going and stays all day.
RESULT
1st - (6) Reshoun @66/1 [W Buick].

5:35 Royal Ascot -- Wolverton Stakes
1m 1f 212y  14 runners

At 5.35 we would usually be looking to finish off Day One with the listed contest Wolverton Stakes over just under 1m 2f, but now we've an extra race to enjoy. A field of 14 runners here and it's 5/1+ the field so finding the winner is not that straightforward. Joseph O'Brien sends over PATRICK SARSFIELD who has been runner up in his last two races, should have another big race in him. The major trainers are well represented naturally FOREST OF DEAN (J Gosden) along with SOLID STONE (Sir Michael Stoute) would be my choice against the field today in a wide open affair.

RESULT
1st - (11) Juan Elcano @14/1 [Andrea Atzeni] .

6:10 Royal Ascot -- Copper Horse Stakes
1m 6f  16 runners

An extra handicap on day one to complete the seven race card and it's The Copper Horse Stakes (Handicap) a race for older horses over a trip of one mile, six furlongs. We've another huge field of sixteen to ponder, they are headed by On To Victory (Alan King) a winner over hurdles but also ran with great credit when runner up last time at Goodwood, might find it hard to give weight all around today though. Taking a pair against the field with SLEEPING LION (Roger Charlton) along with AMTIYAZ WON 33/1 (John Gosden) both should be effective on the good to firm ground we expect this week.

RESULT

1st -  (16) Amtiyaz @33/1 [Hollie Doyle].

Results will be updated in the evening and we will have details for each of the five days of Royal Ascot posted up as early as possible. Hope you enjoy the week.