2.30 – This could be a precession for the favourite if the market is right but I fancy enough short ones later on so I’m going to try and get him beat. Given how the two year old races have gone so far, I wouldn’t put anyone off an outsider especially one with decent form such as TROPICAL STORM. The only maiden in the field, you may think I’m mad for putting him up but I think he has a fair chance at a decent price. An educational run at Newbury almost paid dividends at Newmarket last time out in a strong race only to be touched off by The Actor. He got unorganised in the dip before finishing strongly so a return to this more conventional track will see him in a better light. He should outrun his odds.
3.05 – PONIROS has been my bet of the week for some time now and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he gets on. He travelled strongly into the London Gold Cup last time but couldn’t live with the impressive King‘s Gambit late on. His earlier form stacks up well and he looks weighted well enough today. On breeding the step up in trip today should bring about plenty of improvement and if it does I think he could have the handicapper quaking in his boots.
3.45 – I was taken with DIAMOND RAIN at Newbury, having backed Siyola that day, and anticipate her to be very hard to beat today. Charlie Appleby and his team have suffered one big disappointment this week and the chances of two big disappointments would have to be slim but it is Royal Ascot. Being so strong in the finish the last twice the step up to 1m 4f should bring about plenty of improvement which should see her some way clear of her rivals who all look exposed to me.
4.25 – I have no strong opinion in this race but the favourite looks pretty strong and should take all the beating as he tries to regain his crown.
5.05 – Thankfully I caught VOLTERRA at 10/1 before the price collapsed yesterday and he is currently a 13/2 shot. That is short given the competitive nature of the race but I do think Kevin Ryan‘s 3 year old has plenty in hand and off 8’12 he must have a serious chance here. His form last time out has worked out well and he won easy enough that day despite being fiercely keen so that can only be a positive.
5.40 – Like everyone else, I was mightily impressed with KING’S GAMBIT last time out and he looked every inch a Group horse. The way he hit the afterburners late on was very impressive and that turn of foot will be a useful asset to use today. I don’t think this is the strongest renewal so he wouldn’t have to be a superstar in order to win it but I think he just might be.
6.10 – A tough handicap to round off the day and if you haven’t found a winner by now then it might be best to flick the football on now. I put up CARRYTHEONE last month for this race and I’m going to stick with him. He only went up 2lbs for his victory at Newmarket but if you watch the race back I think he is vakue for more. He had a rough passage through but still managed to get up in the shadow of the post which impressed me. This stiff 7f should be right up his street and he offers plenty of value at 20/1.
