QUEEN ANNE STAKES
Tuesday 20th June, 2:30pm
Inspiral @ 4/1
Modern Games @ 9/2
Native Trail @ 8/1
Chindit @ 9/1
Mutasaabeq @ 11/1
Cash @ 12/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
A Fascinating Group 1 showdown between Modern Games and Inspiral headlines a quality field replete with group winners. Former star juvenile and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Native Trail could be the forgotten horse at 7-1. Almost the entire field can make a claim.
What Cornelius says…
“It’s hard to choose between Inspiral and Modern Games. Inspiral goes really well first time out, and although the Charlie Appleby horses are rocking along a bit more now, there has been a slight question mark over them, and I think that could potentially make the Lockinge winner a bit vulnerable.”
In the spotlight…
Inspiral was electric last time out at Royal Ascot and in the hands of man of the moment Frankie Dettori, she will be hard to beat.
KING’S STAND STAKES
Tuesday 20th June, 3:40pm
Highfield Princess @ 9/4
Coolangatta @ 9/2
Manaccan @ 5/1
Dramatised @ 15/2
Cannonball @ 12/1
Mitbaahy @ 18/1
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*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
Another epic clash awaits here over a blistering 5f up the Ascot straight as rags to riches heroine Highfield Princess takes on the raiders from Down Under in Coolangatta and Cannonball. Despite the heavyweights dominating the top of the market, almost the entire field will feel they have a chance.
What Cornelius says…
“Highfield Princess is favourite and the confidence around her is considerable, but she does come here off the back of only one run this season and despite it being a promising run she was beaten.”
“Coolangatta has some absolutely outstanding form in the book. That win in the lighting at Flemington in February was an excellent run. There’s also the James McDonald factor. He’s a brilliant rider, he does make a huge amount of difference to his rides, and he often throws in a winner at a bigger price because of that.”
“It’s an expensive thing to do, to fly a horse over from the other side of the world, therefore if you’ve got good shrewd trainers like Kieran Maher and David Eustace you wouldn’t be making that journey if you didn’t think you had a very good chance.”
“Cannonball also makes the trip as a big player. The Snowdens are very confident about his prospects, it would seem the main focus is on Coolangatta, but he should be there or thereabouts.”
“Manaccan is another one who’s come into the frame, he’s got the Frankie factor in his favour and there’s been a groundswell of support for him in recent days.”
In the spotlight…
Last season Nature Strip demonstrated the elite quality of Aussie sprinters. Coolangatta has all the credentials to go and do the same.
ST JAMES’S PALACE STAKES
Tuesday 20th June, 4:20pm
Chaldean @ 2/1
Paddington @ 9/4
Cicero’s Gift @ 5/1
Mostabshir @ 8/1
Isaac Shelby @ 17/2
Royal Scotsman @ 12/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
Chaldean leads the market and seeks a Guineas/St James’ Palace double in what looks like an intriguing renewal. Paddington was an impressive winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas, while Isaac Shelby proved his quality with a second-placed outing in the French Guineas.
What Cornelius says…
“Isaac Shelby – has a new owner and a new jockey. Everyone will be sympathetic towards Sean Levey who is an extremely good rider, but William Buick is one of the world’s best. We’ll see if Buick can make the difference here.
“Chaldean looked an outstanding horse at Newmarket and his juvenile form is very strong. Having Frankie on board is another plus point.”
“Royal Scotsman ran too badly to be true in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, but he’s clearly a very good horse and his third in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas made a big impression.”
In the spotlight…
Royal Scotsman is dripping in talent. He’s a good price and if he turns up on his A game – the same one who finished second to Chaldean in the Dewhurst, third in the Coventry as well. At the sort of odds on offer he could be well worth a look.
What to look out for…
1. Prominent racers fare significantly better than those held up over five furlongs, but the opposite is true over seven furlongs and a mile, while on the round course those that race in the first half of the field over a mile and a quarter have a better record than those caught further back.
2. All eyes will be on Frankie Dettori on what we know will be his last ever Royal Ascot, he boasts the best strike rate at the Berkshire track with an astonishing 20.09% win rate (45 winners from 224 rides).
3. Look away Highfield Princess fans! In the last 15 years the favourite has won the King’s Stand on only two occasions.
The verdict:
“Modern Games would be the most vulnerable favourite on day one. Inspiral goes really well first time out, and although the Charlie Appleby horses are rocking along a bit more now, there has been a slight question mark over them, and I think that could potentially make the Lockinge winner vulnerable.”
“In terms of the King’s Stand Highfield Princess is favourite and the confidence around her is considerable, but she does come here off the back of only one run this season and despite it being a promising run she was beaten.”
“There are questions around the strength of the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas. Some people thought Chaldean looked outstanding at Newmarket, but suddenly the opponents are gathering. So he could be one to take on.”
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