2.30 – An interesting renewal of the Queen Anne kicks us off on Day 1 of the Royal meeting. I’ve chopped and changed my mind the last few days but I think I’ve just about settled on NATIVE TRAIL and LIGHT INFANTRY each way. Modern Games looks the standard bearer on recent form but I don’t think the two selections are that far behind if at all so with the prices in mind I’ve sided with my two each way punts. Native Trail was a bit of a talking horse last season but his season somewhat sizzled out and he returned this season with an underwhelming run at Newmarket. He did finish his race off well that day, which was his first run after a wind-op, and bearing in mind the re-opposing Mutasaabeq is a Newmarket specialist then it might not be that bad a run as everyone is making out to be. My other selection is no 20/1 shot I don’t think as his form in France last time entitles him to get seriously involved here. A change in tactics seemed to suit there and I expect similar tactics to be employed here which might just suit as I don’t think many will come from off the pace on this ground.
3.05 – The top two in the market both could be quite special based on what we have seen of them so far but the benefit of a second run and being drawn with the likely pace setters I think RIVER TIBER is the one to side with. Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien have both been complimentary about this son of Wootton Bassett and his performances have certainly backed up those comments. One thing is for sure is that he will definitely appreciate the step up in trip and with Moore already stating he thinks he will stay 7f now I expect him to be in the van ready to kick on at the right time.
3.40 – I think this race revolves around Highfield Princess as she looks like the most likely winner but in a race that can throw up a few shocks I’d be keen to take a chance on a few at a price. Bradsell looks like a ball of pace and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in the shake up come the finish but three year olds wouldn’t have the best record in this race and instead I’ll chance EQUILATERAL and HAPPY ROMANCE at huge prices. The former seems to be in form at present and although the bare form wouldn’t be good enough to win this, he has ran well in this race on a few occasions so the fact he comes here in good health can only bode well. The latter is an interesting one dropping to 5f at a course like Ascot as I think she will be picking them off late and might just reward backers at 50/1.
4.20 – I’d have this between CHALDEAN and Paddington and preference would just about be for the English 2000 Guineas winner providing he can use his inside stall to his advantage. How he copes with the emphasis on speed and positioning in a race like this will be interesting but his overall form and profile suggests he is the one to beat here. Paddington had the run of the race in the Irish 200 Guineas and his wide draw means he may not be so fortunate here.
5.00 – This race probably hinges on BRING ON THE NIGHT and his well being but being trained by Willie Mullins I can’t imagine we would have too much to worry about. He bumped into Coltrane in this race last year and there certainly doesn’t look to be anything of that standard in here today so last year’s runner up should be able to gain compensation from a 3lb higher mark. CALLING THE WIND is a good yardstick in this division and if the favourite has any chinks in his armor then he might be the one to capitalise.
5.35 – I’d be quite confident that Francesco Clemente has the tallest ceiling in here but his inexperience might just hold him back in a race of this nature. BUCKAROO looks a much more solid proposition after his close fourth in a Group 1 last time out. Joseph O’Brien‘s horse is unexposed and could improve plenty for this step up in trip so edges the vote at 7/1. The ground would be a slight unknown but I’m hopeful he can handle it.
6.10 – Vauban holds all the cards here but is no price considering the size of the field. POSTILEO and CHILLINGHAM offer better value and will be receiving some each way support from me. The former did it quite nicely at Hamilton last time out and considering his age, he is still lightly raced. Obviously hard to train as much as he is talented, this 1m 6f trip might just be what he wants after emptying out over the marathon trip here a couple of years ago. At 14/1 he looks a fair each way bet. The latter impressed me at Thirsk last time and he has now managed to rack up three victories from 5 starts. He is progressive and could still be well handicapped.
