ROYAL ASCOT 2020 [Behind Closed Doors]. DAY FIVE SATURDAY 20th JUNE

Saturday's 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.
Going forecast -- Good [Round course Good to Soft]
Day Five - Saturday, June 20
Welcome to this our final day of this season's Royal Ascot festival meeting. An eight race card to end the week with starting at 12:40 who will win leading jockey this week, Jim Crowley still leading the way, Ryan Moore now the big danger hot on his heels.

We go once again for 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 3:35. Let's focus on that and all the big races for Saturday;

12.40pm  The Silver Wokingham Stakes (Handicap)
6f  [£35,000  24 runners]
A consolation race for the Wokingham Stakes which is run later on, a huge field of 24 and recent stats confirm that higher number draws are favoured. So COUNT D'ORSAY (T Easterby) having also won on Soft going enters the equation, and we'll also side with one towards the bottom of the weights in NAHAARR (W Haggas). Very open sort of race of course, if you want to try a big outsider then can I suggest GABRIAL THE WIRE (R Fahey) who has just got into the race and could run a huge race if he can overcome his relatively low draw today - 5th 50/1 Skybet paid out.

RESULT
1st     Chiefofchiefs  20/1  [W Buick]
2nd    Burmese Waltz  22/1
3rd     Nahaarr (IRE)   4/1
4th     Louie de Palma  25/1

1.15pm The Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
5f  [£50,000  20 runners]
Twenty 2yo fillies line up for the Group 2 event, American trainer Wesley Ward has two here CAMPANELLE [Won 9/2] is probably his No1 contender with Frankie Dettori in the saddle but don't discard ROYAL APPROVAL either. Aiden O'Brien relies on MORE BEAUTIFUL who won her maiden by 3L at Naas and could be special. Large field often throws up an outsider to place and we think that RISQUE can run a big race for Richard Hannon who knows plenty about getting a young 2yo ready to run, won her second start and big at 33/1.

RESULT
1st     Campanelle 9/2  [L Dettori]
2nd    Sacred 5/1
3rd     Caroline Dale 100/1

1.50pm The Coventry Stakes (Group 2) 2yos
6f  [£60,000  16 runners]
Yet more 2yo's for the Coventry stakes, another Group 2 event and with 16 this should be fast and furious even on the rain softened ground. ADMIRAL NELSON leads the way after his victory at the Curragh and QAADER looks the pick of the Mark Johnston trio with Jim Crowley looking to secure the top jockey title too. EXISTANT should prove to be better than his debut 3rd at Newmarket and could place for John Gosden / Frankie Dettori.

RESULT
1st     Nando Parrado  150/1  [A Kirby]
2nd    Qaader  3/1
3rd     Saeiqa  25/1

2.25pm The Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
1m  [£250,000  7 runners]
A Group 1 for 3yo fillies just the seven declared but all have a chance, QUADRILATERAL finished 3rd in the 1000 Guineas and the daughter of a Royal Ascot winner Frankel has a huge chance on that form. RUN WILD won the Pretty Polly stakes over 1m 2f so not sure if coming back in trip is going to see her in the same light, so we'll have a look at SHARING winner over in America including the Breeders Cup meeting and must be in with a shout if the travel hasn't taken much out of her.

RESULT
1st     Alpine Star  9/2  [L Dettori]
2nd    Sharing 16/5

Frankie Dettori wins Coronation Stakes on Alpine Star 

3.00pm The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) 3yo colts
1m [£250,000 7 runners]
The 3yo generation of colts have their turn now and it's hopeful that PINATUBO can show that his 2yo form was worth the high rating and although on a recovery mission from his 3rd placing in the 2000 Guineas this is a nice prize to get back on course with. Will have to battle with WICHITA for favouritism and PALACE PIER [Won 4/1] will have plenty to say too in a race that should throw out loads of future Group winners.

RESULT
1st     Palace Pier  4/1  [L Dettori]
2nd    Pinatubo  11/8f


3.35pm The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
6f [£250,000 10 runners]
A smaller than usual field for the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee contest, no horses trying to double up this year, so it's time for HELLO YOUMZAIN [Won 4/1] to win a quality contest to go with his Betfair Sprint Cup win at Haydock. SCEPTICAL looks a short price even though he's won plenty they were at Dundalk on the all weather and this is a big step up in quality, so I'd rather take that on with ONE MASTER who has form on soft going and she's won Group races in France and Ireland so must be respected in this company.

RESULT
1st     Hello Youmzain  4/1  [K Stott]
2nd    Dream of Dreams 8/1
3rd     Sceptical 2/1f 

4.10pm The Wokingham Stakes (Handicap)
6f  [£75,000  24 runners]
The big handicap of the day is the Wokingham and the draw may well play a part again with the 24 runners spread across the track the high numbers have been favourable this week. So HIGHLAND DRESS does appeal while in winning form and although requiring another step up could be in the mood, has a decent draw and still 12/1 so a workable price. Spainish City probably needs the rain to stay away to have a good chance, and Air Raid has been doing his winning at Hamilton so instead we look at SUMMERGHAND who has been out in Dubai racing but has since returned with a second place in a Newmarket handicap and 14/1 here might be open to another win/place bet.


RESULT
1st     Hey Jonesy  18/1  [K Stott]
2nd    Summerghand 15/2
3rd     Spanish City 16/1
4th     Gulliver 12/1

4.40pm The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)
2m 6f  [£35,000  9 runners]
We conclude with the longest distance race on the Flat calendar, an event that is often targeted by the National Hunt trainers and although there are not as many as usual we are represented with the likes of WHO DARES WINS for trainer Alan King.

Nothing this year from Willie Mullins or NH trainers like Paul Nicholls so should go to one of the traditional flat trainers with NATE THE GREAT although all of these will have question marks over this extreme trip but IMPHAL has a chance if the early pace is steady of getting this trip and should make a stayer for dual trainer Gary Moore. Not certain we will see Mekong after that one was 5th in the Gold Cup on Thursday and indeed is a non runner.

RESULT
1st     Who Dares Wins  Evens  [Tom Marquand]
2nd    The Grand Visir  11/4
3rd     Mukha Magic  40/1

That's all for Royal Ascot this year, one that will go down in history for it's unique nature and we plan to be back stronger next year. For now it's goodbye and I wish you all a safe remainder of the season. Couple of weeks we will have the Derby and Oaks at Epsom, and in the meantime we have further racing at Kempton and Pontefract.

BYE BYE FOLKS, WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR.  LUV ALWAYS QUEENIE AND PHIL I'm 94 you know -- release the hounds and get off my land !!

ROYAL ASCOT 2020 [Behind Closed Doors]. DAY FOUR FRIDAY 19th JUNE

Friday Weather update -- A better day on Friday generally dry and sunny but not as warm as you would hope for in middle of June temperatures are a high of 17C, occasional showers possible.
Going -- Good to soft.

Day Four - Friday, June 19
Well done to all connected with yesterdays Gold Cup winner STRADIVARIUS, a gutsy display on soft ground hitting the front in the home straight under Ascot specialist Frankie Dettori and cruising to a 10L win beating Nayef Road. Hope you finding a few more winners this week, and are able to get served at the bar easier under this lock down lol. At least it's not so crowded here at home and the beers are served cold. 

1.15pm The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)
5f  [£35,000  22 runners]
Our opening handicap on Friday is a sprint for 3yo's and headed by BAND PRACTICE who was sent over for the Breeders Cup last year after three wins as a 2yo and while that run was a step too far in his early career is clearly well regarded by the yard and his owners. WILL TO WIN was winning races over 6f last year and surprised to see the drop back in trip here, so preference is for the pair of ART POWER [Won 6/4f] and the filly MIGHTY SPIRIT who was 6th in last year's Queen Mary here.

Results:

1st    Art Power 6/4f  [S De Sousa]
2nd   Keep Busy 6/1
3rd    Dancin inthestreet 9/1
4th    Lambeth Walk 33/1

1.50pm The Albany Stakes (Group 3) 2yo fillies
6f  [£45,000  14 runners]
Out first Group 3 race today is the Albany Stakes a race for 2yo fillies and has a field of 14 runners declared for a 6f dash. Wesley Ward sends FLYING ALETHA over from USA and is always respected, might not want too much rain this week though. Might stick with the big yards here who are represented by MOTHER EARTH (AP O'Brien) along with WILLABELL (John Gosden) thought both need to improve having finished runner up on their only start to date.  

Results:

1st    Dandalla  13/2  [Ben Curtis]
2nd   Setarhe  11/4
3rd    Mother Earth  10/3

2.25pm The Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) 2yo's
5f  [£50,000  14 runners]
This time it's the 2yo colts turn in a Group 2, can Cieren Fallon gain another 200/1 winner here on PAPAL BEE 😉. If that miracle doesn't happen again then maybe EYE OF HEAVEN is the one Mark Johnston's colt made a winning start at Newmarket and should be in the shake up along with THE LIR JET [Won 9/2] for Qatar racing from the yard of Michael Bell.

Results:

1st    The Lir Jet  9/2  [O Murphy]
2nd   Golden Pal  12/1
3rd    Imperial Force 15/2

3.00pm The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
1m 4f   [£125,000  11 runners]
Last years winner DEFOE returns to defend his crown today and should be well supported for this Group 2 event. He will have to be at his very best to see off the likes of last year's Derby winner ANTHONY VAN DYCK who was running well in defeat in the Group 1 Coronation Cup last time out and the trip is fine, the slight drop in class makes him hard to dismiss. With the stable, owner and jockey absolutely flying this week you must have an interest in ELARQAM with Jim Crowley looking to secure a top jockey title here. Outside could be MORANDO who is rated close to the principles while support for Sheikh Mohammad runner FANNY LOGAN [Won 17/2] could prove significant for the Gosden / Dettori team, was 4th in the Breeders Cup Fillies and Mare's event at Santa Anita and it's great to see Frankie back in these famous colours again.

Results:

1st    Fanny Logan 17/2  [L Dettori]
2nd   Alounak  40/1
3rd    Defoe  6/1

3.35pm The Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
6f  [£250,000 17 runners]
Our feature for Friday is the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup for 3yo's and was won by Advertise last year, who will take the crown from this generation, especially with so few of the field having had a run this term. WOODED [Non Runner] did have a run winning at Chantilly in a Group 3 so has another step up to take here. KIMARI was runner up in last year's Queen Mary and this American raider must be respected was fourth in the Breeders Cup Juvenile and under a Frankie Dettori ride could have these in trouble. Aiden O'Brien runs four in this and it's LOPE Y FERNANDEZ that probably carries the strongest recent form into this and should not be very far away.

Results:

1st    Golden Horde 5/1  [A Kirby]
2nd   Kimari 5/1
3rd    Ventura Rebel 50/1

Advertise winner of the 2019 Commonwealth Cup

4.10pm The Queen's Vase (Group 2) 3yo
1m 6f  [£110,000  9 runners]
Just a select field of nine three year olds now for the stayers event where they'll start in front of the empty stands and we're headed by AL DABARAN who takes a big leap in trip and that tempers my enthusiasm today. BERKSHIRE ROCCO was runner up though staying on as if this extra couple of furlongs will help. Rare to see Frankie on an Aiden O'Brien horse, NOBEL PRIZE, when John Gosden has a runner in the field, ON GUARD, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in that particular contest. Support for HM The Queen's representative PUNCTUATION would be interesting as they had a winner on Wednesday and is an each way price as we write this so will have a place wager on that one together with Berkshire Rocco for the win.

Results:

1st     Santiago 100/30  [R L Moore]
2nd    Berkshire Rocco 3/1
3rd     Al Dabaran 6/1

4.40pm The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)
1m 4f  [£60,000 19 runners]
As usual we find ourselves looking at a big field handicap to conclude Friday with a race where the bottom weight MEDAL WINNER appeals as an each way selection, won a small race at Brighton but followed that up in handicap company a few weeks ago at Newcastle, should welcome the further step forward in trip and Oisin Murphy in the saddle is a bonus. One already proven over this sort of trip is DURSTON with victories at Doncaster and Chester then only missed out by a neck at Goodwood so if fit for seasonal return must go close. Was a couple of years back that GETCHAGETCHAGETCHA won for us at a big price here and I'll consider another each way chance in this field and has also proved he gets the trip too.

Results:

1st    Scarlet Dragon 33/1  [Hollie Doyle]
2nd   Deja  9/1
3rd    West End Charmer 4/1f

And that's all for Friday, last day tomorrow, hopefully you are doing as well as we are this week despite the lack of crowd, atmosphere but at least the travelling has been fine. 

ROYAL ASCOT 2020 [Behind Closed Doors]. DAY THREE THURSDAY 18th JUNE

Thursday Weather update -- Plenty of rain fell overnight which has changed the going, there will be chance of further showers today and early rain in the south should soon clear on Thursday then along with Friday, dry with sunny spells. High of 18C no worries for a Ladies Day that will be sadly lacking in fashion and stunning beauty behind closed doors this year.


Day Three - Thursday, June 18
Going -- Good to Soft.
Today is Gold Cup day, also traditionally would be 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. Sadly not this year.


1.15pm The Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap)
1m 2f   [£35,000  18 runners]
Gold Cup day kicks off with a big field 3yo handicap over 10f where top weights HIGHLAND CHIEF [Won 20/1] (P Cole) along with GRAND ROCK (W Haggas) both have won on soft going so would prefer the rain this week to be most effective. The connections of HYPOTHETICAL have to be respected but this colt hasn't really done that much in his two all weather runs to be favourite here though was put into Group 3 on only second start (beaten five lengths) so I would prefer the form of GLOBAL STORM for Godolphin here on the back of his wins at Newmarket again one that would appreciate more rain this week.

Results:

1st    Highland Chief 20/1  [Rossa Ryan]
2nd   Tritonic 9/1
3rd    Global Storm 7/2f
4th    HMS President 33/1

1.50pm The Wolferton Stakes (Listed)
1m 2f  [£50,000  16 runners]
Must be a race of this nature for SIR DRAGONET given he was sent off favourite for last years Epsom Derby (finishing 5th) and although this is 2f shorter must be the one to beat. Difficult to know what the filly ALOE VERA [Non Runner] is in terms of fitness as a 4yo but won a listed event on only her second start and remains unbeaten, meets older horses now but interesting at a decent price too. Don't discount the older horses from the big yards, both CROSSED BATON / MOUNTAIN HUNTER have been successful at this level before now and represent top class connections.

Results:
1st    Mountain Angel 8/1  [James Doyle]
2nd   Sir Dragonet 15/8f
3rd    Regal Reality 11/2

2.25pm The Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
7f  [£60,000  15 runners]
Step into Group class for our next 3yo contest, will continue my interest in KING LEONIDAS who did us a good turn winning on 1000 Guineas day and although this Group 3 is harder that run should have done him no harm. Godolphin's filly FINAL SONG belied her 100/1 price finishing 4th in the 1000 Guineas and with the weight allowance might be hard to crack under a William Buick ride. One to look at again with a big price tag is the consistent (but frustrating) ROPEY GUEST placed frequently as a 2yo wouldn't be hard to see him going close again at the finish but perhaps not one for the win and an each way bet at 40/1 this morning.

Results:
1st     Molatham 11/2  [Jim Crowley]
2nd    Monarch of Egypt 4/1
3rd     Symbolize 40/1

3.00pm The Chesham Stakes (Listed)
7f  [£40,000  9 runners]
It's the 2yo's turn next, the Chesham Stakes usually a race to take pointers for the future, but at least all nine declared runners have had a previous outing to view. Even though beaten on debut the fact Aiden O'Brien and Coolmore send BATTLEGROUND [Won 11/4] as their only representative speaks loudly. Probably going to improve for that run at Naas, and the market will give us plenty of clues. Godolphin run MODERN NEWS who is one of four winners in this field, only won a Newmarket maiden by a neck from stablemate Noble Dynasty and is stepping up in trip too. Only two winners over this trip here FIRST PROPHET (C Fellowes) CONCESSIONS (R Hannon) with preference for the latter, the filly won going away in a small field last time but proven experience at the trip might be important.

Results:
1st     Battleground 11/4f  [R L Moore]
2nd    March Law  18/1
3rd     Seattle Rock 80/1

Frankie winning in 2019 on Stradivarius

3:35 Royal Ascot -- THE ASCOT GOLD CUP
2m 4f  8 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 despite the unusual nature of this years meeting. 

A field of eight are declared for this years renewal and includes last years champion stayer STRADIVARIUS who should be a short price to complete a Gold Cup treble. Had a prep race in the Coronation Cup which was run at Newmarket finishing third which is not surprising given the pair ahead that day and would have only just got into his stride by the time the race was over, this extreme trip is his forte and the hat trick should be secured. The likes of TECHNICIAN won three nice races over in France last year and could well run on to place, while CROSS COUNTER did win the Melbourne Cup in 2018 and was fourth in this last year so will also be staying on late, but they have it all to do to stop Frankie winning another Group 1.

3:35 Royal Ascot -- THE ASCOT GOLD CUP

Results:
1st     STRADIVARIUS 4/5f  [L Dettori]
2nd    Nayef Road 11/1
3rd     Cross Counter 7/1

4.10  The Britannia Stakes (Handicap)
1m  [£60,000  22 runners]
Another big field handicap now for 3yo's and run over the straight mile course, and we see about 8/1 the field. John Gosden makes this even trickier by running four with ENEMY possible his best option having won here on debut. Cieren Fallon had a huge winner last week and could be interesting on the Godolphin owned DUBAI MIRAGE, with his 3lb claim still very useful. JOHAN is already proven over the trip with so many here stepping up they might be found out with the relentless gallop on the straight course.

Results:
1st     Khalsooy 9/2  [Jim Crowley]
2nd    Finest Sound 11/4f
3rd     Cherokee Trail 16/1
4th     Enemy 6/1

4.40  The Sandringham Stakes (Handicap)
1m  [3yo fillies  £60,000  15 runners]
The final handicap also over the straight mile course is for 3yo fillies. DUBAI LOVE heads affairs and has winning form over the mile trip, as well as having experience in double figure fields which cannot be said for some others. However having to give weight away might prove difficult, so we'll take HUBOOR (Mark Johnston) along with ODYSSEY GIRL (R Spencer) against the field taking advantage of one drawn either side of the course.

Results:
1st     Onassis 33/1  [Hayley Turner]
2nd    Waliyak 4/1
3rd     Dubai Love 8/1

Results from today have been updated and well done to Stradivarius for his superb triple Gold Cup win and also to Jim Crowley for adding to his Royal Ascot tally with a double today and then Hayley Turner smashed the finale up on a 33/1 shot!! And yes we've still got Friday and Saturday to enjoy.