ROYAL ASCOT 2018. DAY THREE THURSDAY 21st JUNE

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 18C so although dry not as warm as you would have liked. 

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 race today we've a few other decent events to take in, which will start at 2:30 with the NORFOLK STAKES over 5f for 2yos.

A smaller field than usual with just 10 runners declared, this won't be easy to determine, since every horse has at least won a race so far. Plenty of interest in the American raider SHANG SHANG SHANG and will probably go off favourite according to the market. So we side with a pair against the field at reasonable odds of reward. First up is CHARMING KID and we pair with Irish raider LAND FORCE. 


2:30 Royal Ascot -- Norfolk Stakes (5f)
RESULT
1st. Shang Shang Shang 5/1
2nd. Pocket Dynamo 20/1
3rd. Land Force 7/1

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, KEY VICTORY, NATIONAL ARMY and NORDIC LIGHTS of which KEY VICTORY looks the pick on his effort in the French Derby. Plenty of opposition and possible to pick MAIN STREET while the John Gosden and Frankie Dettori partnership is still firing in winners on the latters favourite track. 

A big prize outsider MASAARR (20/1) is interesting back in a non handicap and with a strong pace assured. 

3:05 Royal Ascot -- Hampton Court Stakes (1m 2f)
RESULT
1st. Hunting Horn 5/1
2nd. Crossed Baton 16/1
3rd. Zaaki 14/1


3:40 is the RIBBLESDALE STAKES a Group 2 event for 3yo Fillies (well it IS ladies day). 

Of the ten declared there are a few that come into this with interesting form to start with WILD ILLUSION who was runner up in the Oaks at Epsom and meets lower quality here so should take all the beating if not too affected by that experience, had MAGIC WAND back in 4th but was a long way back and would be a surprise if able to reverse that form even on this more accommodating track. 

The likes of SUN MAIDEN must be highly regarded as they move up into Group company from a small novice win at Salisbury, and DANCING BRAVE BEAR will go well at a nice price for his connections having contested a Group 3 last time and is capable of placing.

3:40 Royal Ascot -- Ribblesdale Stakes (1m 4f)
RESULT
1st. Magic Wand 10/3
2nd. Wild Illusion 9/4 fav
3rd. Sun Maiden 3/1

4:20 Royal 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 only 9 are declared with the absence of last years winner Red Orange due to injury this can go back to the 2016 winner ORDER OF ST GEORGE won this well that year and is still only lightly raced as a 6yo so looks like he's going to be difficult to beat once more. 

Was hoping to see Sweet Selection too but another who appears to have been injured so maybe DESERT SKYLINE who was placed in the Sagaro Stakes here then runner up in the Yorkshire Cup so clearly stays and can step forward and run a good race for another place here. 

4:20 Royal Ascot -- THE ASCOT GOLD CUP (2m 4f)
RESULT
1st -- STRADAVARIUS  7/4F
2nd -- VAZIRABAD  9/2
3rd -- TORCEDOR 14/1

5:00 is the BRITANNIA STAKES over the straight mile. Only 33 runners and 9/1 the field 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 RUFUS KING who's forecast 33/1 and drawn 21 too. 

In the middle (drawn 17) we've David Probert on board CRACK ON CRACK ON and that one is seeking a hat-trick and has winning form on Good to firm going so 9/1 probably won't last too long although has never seen a field of this size and depth.

Of the many that Richard Hannon saddles here I would go with QAYSAR despite his defeat last time given another chance here off a low draw.


5.00 Royal Ascot -- Britannia Stakes (1m)
RESULT
1st -- Ostilio 10/1
2nd -- Curiosity 14/1
3rd -- Magnificent 33/1
4th -- Desert Wind 66/1


5:35 -- KING GEORGE V STAKES over 1m 4f for 3yos and only the 19 runners for this one (2 reserves declared too).

Top weight is Charlie Appleby's Godolphin runner DUBHE a winner on his season debut and James Doyle to assist gives him an excellent chance despite the burden of 9st 7lb. Might do well to give the weight to the likes of FIRST ELEVEN / MAKING MIRACLES and the finale for day three couldn't be more competitive.

5.35 Royal Ascot -- King George V Stakes (1m 4f)
RESULT
1st -- Baghdad 9/1
2nd -- Corgi 12/1
3rd -- First Eleven 6/1


Results from today have been updated during the early evening, and we've still got Friday and Saturday to enjoy.

Oh and if this wasn't enough there's another meeting from Pontefract to savour on Sunday afternoon too plus the World Cup if you hadn't noticed that.

ROYAL ASCOT 2018. DAY TWO WEDNESDAY 20th JUNE

Wednesday Weather update -- It's going to be another cloudy, humid day on Wednesday. Max temp of 24C.


Going -- GOOD TO FIRM

DAY TWO

Hope you enjoyed yourselves with day one, am still expecting some glorious weather again today and we will have more Group 1 action with the Prince of Wales Stakes at 4:20 and the big handicap of the day is the Royal Hunt Cup off at 5pm. 

Once Her Majesty 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 field of 22 are declared to do battle today.

Wesley Ward always brings a few decent sorts, and will not be a surprise to see CHELSEA CLOISTERS run a big race. Richard Hannon (Father and son) are renowned for 2yo horses and they rely on COME ON LEICESTER where SERVALAN looks the best of the Irish raiders. 

2:30 Royal Ascot -- Queen Mary Stakes (5f)
RESULT
1st. Signora Cabello 25/1
2nd. Gossamer Wings 25/1
3rd. Shades Of Blue 5/1

The QUEENS VASE next up at 3:05 and a field of 24 line up. And while it's possible to cross out about 6-7 of these on form the rest could be anything having raced about once or twice at most. STREAM OF STARS certainly fits that criteria and is the only course winner this Sea The Stars gelding runs for the John Gosden yard who are double handed in this with ALMOGHARED also declared. 

SOUTHERN FRANCE looks the pick of the O'Brien trio and his son Joseph has a live outsider with the experienced DRAPERS GOLD.  

3:05 Royal Ascot - Queen Mary Stakes (5f)
RESULT
1st. Kew Gardens 10/3
2nd. Southern France 9/2
3rd. Nelson 9/2

The DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE STAKES is off at 3:40 and this Group 2 for Fillies has attracted 11 runners, led by HYDRANGEA who won a few good races last year and seems to have trained on despite being runner up on seasonal debut in a Curragh Gr 2 looks the one to beat. 

Will take that on with couple who receive a handy 5lb, both URBAN FOX and WILAMINA are priced about 12/1. 


3:40 Royal Ascot -- Duke of Cambridge Stakes (1m) 
RESULT
1st. Aljazzi 9/2
2nd. Tribute Act 10/1
3rd. Wilamina 11/2

Today's Group 1 race THE PRINCE OF WALES STAKES goes off at 4:20. Just the 7 declared but it's a small and select field. 

CRACKSMAN should take this on all known form, his owner should be applauded for keeping his good horses in training at four, and can pick up another big prize here. Will be short odds and with only seven in the field the place options are tricky. 

CLIFFS OF MOHER is the one for me to follow him home and perhaps give the fav most to do. 


4:20 Royal Ascot -- Prince of Wales's Stakes (1m 2f)
RESULT
1st --  Poets Word 11/2
2nd --  Cracksman 2/5F

The big handicap of the day is the ROYAL HUNT CUP at 5pm with only the 31 declared (excluding the reserves) it's clearly fairly simple to pick and if you still in the placepot today, best of luck! 

it's 10/1 the field as I write this, I punt for BLESS HIM (David Simcock) and WHAT'S THE STORY (Keith Dalgleish) against the field, a race sure to be run at a furious pace and gaps will be needed.

I've always had a soft spot for GABRIEL who still seems to enjoy his racing at the age of 9, this could be too much but could well place at a huge price and stays. 

5:00 Royal Ascot -- Royal Hunt Cup (1m)
RESULT
1st  -- Settle for Bay 16/1
2nd  -- Afaak 10/1
3rd  -- Circus Couture 100/1
4th  -- Whats the Story 33/1

The finale on Day Two [5:35] is the JERSEY STAKES a Group 3 contest over 7f, again a race for 3yo only and there's just the 23 in the line up. 

SOCIETY POWER has been winning his last 5 contests and deserves his chance at a big prize, along with TABDEED.

The unknown pair are the once raced Leicester maiden winner ARABIAN COAST who could be anything, and HEMP HEMP HURRAY over from America but done all his racing on firm going. 

5:35 Royal Ascot -- Jersey Stakes (7f)
RESULT

1st  -- Expert Eye  8/1

2nd  -- Society Power 8/1

3rd  -- Could it be Love 11/2

4th  -- Symbolization 14/1

Results will be updated in the evening and we will have details for tomorrow's Gold Cup card posted up as early as possible. Hope you enjoying the week. 

ROYAL ASCOT 2018. DAY ONE TUESDAY 19th JUNE

Tuesday Weather update -- High Temp of 24C Starting dry. Plenty of cloud around too, especially during the morning, so it should be warm yet it's not uncomfortable and still advisable to drink plenty [water].

Going -- Good to firm

DAY ONE
This years Royal Ascot meeting will be the usual fashion stakes and social event, and Her Majesty The Queen still gets out and about not bad given she's 92 you know, not sure if she'll be accompanied by Prince Phillip but has Meghan and Harry on standby if she needs more support. 

Six races to enjoy starting at 2.30 with our first Group 1 of the meeting which is the QUEEN ANNE STAKES over the straight mile course, and a field of 15 will line up for our opener this year. RECOLETOS was 4th in the Champion Stakes here last year, and been winning Group races in France so not dismissed lightly here. 

The Godolphin trained BENBATL won here last year too (Hampton Court Stakes) and has spent the year in Dubai winning events at Meydan over 1m 1f on the turf, so appears to have trained on as a 4yo and will take the pair against an open looking field. At much bigger odds the American YOSHIDA could be interesting as certainly not come here for the air miles.

2:30 Royal Ascot - Queen Anne Stakes (1m)
RESULT
1st. Accidental Agent 33/1
2nd. Lord Glitters 20/1
3rd. Lightning Spear 10/1


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 24 and it's a minefield with only a few having no winning form to boast about but all could run well and finding the winner here will be tricky. 

Naturally the first port of call is to see what Aiden O'Brien sends over from Ballydoyle and he has the fav with SERGEI PROKOFIEV a dual winner from three starts all of which have been as odds on favourite. Bit too short for me in a field like this so will look at others, his son Joseph has an outsider with NO NEEDS NEVER (33/1) who should be one to follow later in the season perhaps. 

My selection today will also be from Ireland and is INDIGO BALANCE out of the Jessica Harrington yard, a winner of a Curragh maiden on only start but had several good looking horses from the other top years well behind, stayed on well, should improve and 12/1 looks a decent win/place bet for me.

3:05 Royal Ascot -- Coventry Stakes (6f)
RESULT
1st. Calyx 2/1
2nd. Advertise 10/1
3rd. Sergei Prokofiev 3/1
4th. Vange 25/1


At 3.40 our second Group 1 race of the week is the KINGS STAND sprint over 5f, where 14 will line up to charge down the course and the draw will be as vital as the splits for some.

BATTAASH heads the field and the market which is no surprise as a winner of the Prix De L'Abbaye and picked up this season with success in the Temple stakes at Haydock. The big danger will come from last years winner and the very talented LADY AURELIA who returns from America to defend her title. Wouldn't be surprised if she does that and maybe appear again on Saturday in the Diamond Jubilee stakes.

Plenty of big prices around for the rest of the field but I would be surprised if one of the above failed to land this, however DECLARATIONOFPEACE from Aiden O'Brien could go best of his here at 25/1. 

3:40 Royal Ascot -- Kings Stand Stakes (5f)
RESULT
1st. Blue Point  6/1
2nd. Battaash  9/4
3rd. Mabs Cross  20/1

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. With over £300k to the winner its a strong field of 10, WITHOUT PAROLE justified his reputation with a win at Sandown Park last month and this unbeaten son of the mighty Frankel will take all the beating. 

The Classic form is here in the shape of TIP TWO WIN who was runner up in this years 2000 Guineas and also ROMAINSED who won the Irish 2000 Guineas. 

4:20 Royal Ascot -- St James's Palace Stakes (1m)
RESULT
1st  --  WITHOUT PAROLE 9/4F
2nd  --  GUSTAV KLIMT 8/1
3rd  --  WOOTON 8/1


At 5.00 it's the ASCOT STAKES over the Gold Cup distance of 2m 4f for 4yo's+. Just 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. 

Top weight WHISKEY SOUR certainly appeals over this trip, winner twice within the week at the Galway festival highlights his skills and has been placed over hurdles at both Cheltenham (County Hurdle) and Punchestown (Irish Champion Novice Hurdle) festivals this year. Looks like one that will take a lot of stopping if allowed to go out and dictate this even with all that weight, Willie Mullins runs FIVE today so be surprised if he's not having the 1-2 here.

Others to note include COEUR DE LION (Alan King) and WHITE DESERT (Charlie Appleby) though some questions to answer about staying this far. 

5:00 Royal Ascot -- Ascot Stakes (2m 4f)
RESULT
1st  --  LAGOSTOVEGAS 10/1
2nd  --  DUBAWI FIFTY 6/1
3rd  --  STRATUM 10/1
4th  --  CHELKAR 5/1


And at 5.35 we finish off Day One with the WOLVERTON STAKES over just under 1m 2f and is a change from recent years where the Windsor Castle stakes used to be run at the end of day one, this will now be run on Saturday. A field of 16 runners here and it's 6/1 the field. 

In a wide open affair will aim to pick two against the field at decent odds, first one is AUTOCRATIC from Sir Michael Stoute yard along with YUCATAN (Aiden O'Brien) the latter failed to shine at Epsom but should be better than that and the track could have been an excuse so should give us a run for our money this afternoon. 

5:35 Royal Ascot -- Wolverton Stakes (1m 1f 212y)
RESULT
1st --  MONARCHS GLEN 8/1
2nd --  EUGINIO 33/1
3rd --  MUNTAHAA 33/1

Result 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 along with World Cup matches.

Hope you enjoy the week.