EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2020 - ENGLAND vs SCOTLAND 18th JUNE 2021

The delayed 2020 European Championship is underway and we are into the second round of group games, Group D sees the clash of the Auld Enemy as England host Scotland at Wembley on Friday evening kick off is 8pm. England began last Sunday with a 1-0 win against Croatia where Raheem Sterling struck the winner in the second half ... while Scotland opened their first 'finals' campaign for a long time with a disappoint 2-0 defeat at the hands of Czech Republic on Monday afternoon. They played well and created chances but the clinical finishing came from Patrik Schick including a 50 yard lob from the half way line. Form though goes out the window when these two play, passions will run high, and we'll probably see that goal by Paul Gascoigne during Euro '96 at least a 1000 times prior to kick off. I'm sure the areas around Leicester Square, and the major parks in London will be taken over by the visiting Tartan Army and I welcome that, they are great supporters and may the game pass off peacefully.

Team News
Will wait to see if Gareth Southgate changes a winning team after Sundays opening victory, playing Phil Foden and Mason Mount behind Sterling and Kane seemed to work although the England captain was a little subdued. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been called up to England's Euro 2020 squad to replace the injured Dean Henderson.

Aaron Ramsdale while at AFC Wimbledon

The Manchester United keeper Henderson has withdrawn from the tournament with a hip issue that would "continue to limit his involvement in training". He will return to his club for further assessment and treatment. Sheffield United's Ramsdale, 23 pictured left, has no senior England caps but was part of Gareth Southgate's provisional 33-man squad before the tournament, a former AFC Wimbledon player Aaron will always have our support. Harry Maguire has also announced his fitness, and so can take his place on the bench where he belongs as the defence is fine as it is with fully fit players.

While England and Scotland battle one another today in Group D, the other sides in the group will face one another Croatia vs Czech Republic kicking off at 5pm.

England XI  0
Pickford (Gk),  James,  Stones,  Mings,  Shaw,  Phillips,  Rice,  Foden,  Mount,  Sterling,  Kane (c).

Scotland XI  0
Marshall (Gk),  McTominay,  Hanley,  Tierney,  O'Donnell,  Gilmore,  McGregor,  McGinn,  Robertson (c),  Dykes,  Adams.

Head to Head
As it's the oldest international fixture in world football we've played against Scotland 114 times before in all competitions. England having 48 wins to Scotland's 25, with 41 draws since the opening contest back in November 1872.

What a terrible game, Scotland had the better of the opportunities and with a half decent forward would have won this. England already look void of ideas. This will probably be the end of Gareth Southgate's tenure as we would need a miracle to progress deep into this competition. 

We will update later with confirmed starting line ups, and will follow the fortunes of the home nations this summer.

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.