Day two talking points…
“What an absorbing second day at Royal Ascot. Headed by a stunning performance from Mostahdaf in the Prince of Wales stakes. He absolutely swept aside a quality field, quickened up spectacularly and stormed clear. It was a withering display.”
“Elsewhere, we finally got that Frankie Dettori winner on Gregory. It was some performance from the horse, leading from a long way out. He’ll head to the St Leger now and I look forward to seeing him run there.”
“Crimson Advocate gave us a very welcome international winner in the Queen Mary. Karl Burke is entitled to feel a little luckless as he had three of the first seven home. Beautiful Diamond is clearly able and will be winning races soon.”
“Lastly, I’m so glad Colin Keane got his first Royal Ascot win. A top jockey over in Ireland, it’s nice to see him get the recognition here.”
NORFOLK STAKES
Thursday 22nd June, 2:30pm
Elite Status @ 7/4
American Rascal @ 4/1
No Nay Mets @ 5/1
Noche Magica @ 15/2
His Majesty @ 10/1
Devious @ 14/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
Day three gets underway with a thrilling showdown between some bonafide speedsters. Wesley Ward – a two-time Norfolk Stakes winner – saddles the aptly named American Rascal whose dam – Lady Aurelia – is racing royalty. The young rascal will seek to follow in his mother’s footsteps with a win at the Royal meeting. However, Karl Burke’s luck could turn with Elite Status offering stiff opposition, while Frankie Dettori rides the recently purchased No Nay Mets, can he live up to the £800,000 price tag?
What Cornelius says…
“Elite Status is two from two including the National Stakes and looks a very good horse.”
“Horses like American Rascal are why people love flat racing as you get a horse who put in a fine performance at Keeneland and then you look down the pedigree and see what his mum achieved at Ascot in the Queen Mary. That continuity, seeing the progeny of superstars, that’s the absolute epitome of what everybody adores about flat racing.”
In the spotlight…
“This isn’t just about two horses, there’s a whole wealth of talent on show here and this could be a race for the memory bank. Certainly not one to miss on day three.”
“American Rascal is definitely Wesley Ward’s team captain and Wesley has proved he’s pretty good with lightning, every time he thunders into Ascot.”
RIBBLESDALE STAKES
Thursday 22nd June, 3:40pm
Al Asifah @ 4/5
Bluestocking @ 9/2
Infinite Cosmos @ 6/1
Warm Heart @ 11/1
Midnight Mile @ 18/1
Maman Joon @ 20/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
All the pre-race chatters centres on one filly – Al Asifah – who has truly burst onto the scene in recent weeks. Could we about to witness the arrival of another superstar in Shadwell colours to fill the void left by Baaeed? The other fillies in this field should certainly have something to say about that; Infinite Cosmos steps up in trip and should appreciate the extra 2f, while Bluestocking in the hands of Frankie Dettori, is open to plenty of improvement. Aidan O’Brien has made a scintillating start to the week and Warm Heart should not be discounted.
What Cornelius says…
“Al Asifah has a lot to like about her. The fact is that her team are saying we are going to supplement for the Ribblesdale is indicative – they’ve had good fillies in the pas who they’ve chosen not to do that with. She was impressive at Haydock and even more impressive at Goodwood, where won by 6½ lengths without breaking a sweat.”
In the spotlight…
“Although it is stiffer opposition here, Al Asifah is hard to overlook and an extra couple of lengths should play to her strengths.”
GOLD CUP
Thursday 22nd June, 4:20pm
Coltrane @ 7/2
Eldar Eldarov @ 7/2
Courage Mon Ami @ 5/1
Emily Dickinson @ 5/1
Subjectivist @ 10/1
Yibir @ 11/1
view odds
*prices correct at time of writing.
What we say…
Despite the absence of Stradivarius and Kyprios this remains a fascinating contest. There is real depth in the field and an argument can be put forward for any of the top six. It should be an intriguing battle and one which could anoint the next superstar of the staying division.
What Cornelius says…
“Coltrane looks to be better than ever aged 6 and is right in the mix.”
“Subjectivist has been there and done it. There were concerns his career was over, but he has been nursed back. The run at Meydan was over 2 miles and very respectable. This has always been the target and he loves this distance.”
“For Trueshan the weather could be an issue.”
“Courage Mon Ami has been purchased with something like this in mind, he went to Goodwood and absolutely toyed with the opposition and ran away.”
“Eldar Eldarov was second in Yorkshire Cup. It was a slightly strange race. It looked like he was nowhere close to winning but then in the last few strides he stayed on really well. He’s also a Royal Ascot winner which should never be discounted.”
In the spotlight…
“There isn’t a Strad in there, but you can’t have a Strad every year! It’s still an excellent competitive race and plenty of opportunities for people to put their money where their mouth is. My feeling is that Eldar Eldarov ran a smashing race at York. The Varian horses are now starting to hit their stride really well. The extra distance stands every chance of being a benefit to the horse. He won at Royal Ascot last year and we’re looking at a very good horse.”
What to look out for…
1. The Ascot Gold Cup has proven to be a race that backs up market confidence with the favourite obliging six times in the last ten years.
2. Frankie Dettori has enjoyed his days out in the Ribblesdale, taking the top prize on eight occasions. He rides Bluestocking in search of win number nine.
3. At a rating of 108, Karl Burke’s Norfolk Stakes contender Elite Status is the highest rated juvenile at the meeting this year.
The verdict:
“Wesley Ward has become a massive part of Royal Ascot in recent years. It hasn’t worked out every single time but has worked out more than when it hasn’t. Underestimate his horses at your peril!”
“In the Gold Cup there is one intriguing horse at a huge price which could be one of the great flat racing fairtytales if it wins. That is number nine Wise Eagle. He’s been trained on the beach in Seahouses Northumberland by Adam Nicol and his partner. They combine training racehorses with running a riding school and racing pigeons! There’s a B&B in there somewhere as well!”
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