Royal Ascot Day 2
2.30 – We saw a competitive Coventry turn into a bit of a lottery yesterday and I wouldn’t be surprised if this goes the same way. I could name four or five I wouldn’t mind being on but one I have had shortlisted for a long time is AMESTRIS who built on a promising debut effort at Newmarket by winning at Lingfield in impressive fashion last time out. Michael Bell is no stranger to 2 year old success at the Royal meeting so I think she is interesting in this.
3.05 – The visual impression HIGHBURY created last time is enough for me to take a punt on him here. It’s been well advertised that the form of that race has worked out well which is an obvious positive and he will need to have improved from his first run when he was behind the re-opposing Birdman. He has since won again but I do think HIGHBURY has come on a lot since that run and I anticipate a bold showing.
3.45 – I quite like NOVUS in here at a decent price. The favourites look flakey enough and this filly always gives her running so could easily outrun her odds. She ran a good race in the Sandringham last year and I think she has improved since then. The stiff mile should play to her strengths.
4.25 – This isn’t a betting race for me now the ground is firm as Royal Rhyme wouldn’t want it that quick and he would be my fancy. Lord North looks a big price if he can roll back the years and nick a place at the very least.
5.05 – HOLLOWAY BOY is just about my best bet of the day despite him running in one of the hardest races of the day. Karl Burke‘s charge won the Chesham on his debut here 2 years ago and also ran a mighty race in the Jersey 12 months ago. He clearly likes Ascot and is clearly more than a handicapper so I think he is a good each way play here lining up off 105.
5.40 – This might best to close your eyes and pick. I’ll probably have a little bit on FARHH TO SHY who likes it here at Ascot and looks a good each way price.
6.15 – I’m probably going to end up giving HAWAIIAN another chance in this as his run last time was too bad to be true. His debut win couldn’t be working out much better and I thought he did that a shade cosy. If the return to quicker ground brings about a return to form then he has a super chance here.
