Moore Can Forge Ahead
The G3 Jersey Stakes (2.30) is the first of 6 races at Royal Ascot, on Wednesday. Dutch Connection won the 2015 renewal, for Charlie Hills. Today’s encounter looks very open, with cases to be made for Castle Harbour, Gifted Master, Ibn Malik, Ribchester, Thikriyaat and Haalick. We like an each-way bet on Sir Michael Stoute’s Forge, who disappointed in the Heron Stakes but is capable of much better. The booking of Ryan Moore is obviously a huge plus and the odds look generous.
The G2 Queen Mary Stakes (3.05) is one of the most-important contests of the year, for juvenile fillies. Wesley Ward’s Lady Aurelia, who will be under a ride from Frankie Dettori, was mightily impressive when winning on debut at Keeneland and the American raider can follow in the footsteps of Tepin – winner of yesterday’s G1 Queen Anne Stakes and another US raider. Tom Dascombe’s Kachess look the best of the British contingent.
Usherette’s Our Duke Of Cambridge Bet!
Usherette can give Irish fans something to cheer about, by winning the G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at 3.40. She’s already slain the likes of Arabian Queen and Amazing Maria, so her status as favourite seems fully-justified – especially as Andre Fabre’s inmate is one of the few runners proven on this sort of ground. John Gosden’s Jazzi Top is a big threat, despite flopping in the Dahlia Stakes French raider, Maimara, has won in Group company and can also go close.
The G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is the day’s feature and Royal Ascot welcomes a genuine superstar for this one. A Shin Hikari can count the G1 Hong Kong Cup amongst his many major triumphs, but Japanese horses do not have a great record in Europe and better value is on offer in the shape of Aidan O’Brien’s Found. The filly finished 2nd to Fascinating Rock and Postponed, in her last 2 encounters (both G1) and if A Shin Hikari is another tourist that doesn’t take to English turf then the 4-year-old can pounce. The Grey Gatsby likes to ease into a new campaign and is best watched, today.
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Captain Can Skip To Victory
30 runners are expected to contest the Royal Hunt Cup, a 1m handicap. With £108,938 going to winning connections, it’s not surprising that horses of the calibre of Convey, Portage, Donncha, Secret Brief, Spirit Raiser, Azraff and Carry On Deryck have been aimed at this encounter. Captain Cat looks a great each-way pick, with the talented Ed Greatrex in the saddle. Things haven’t really worked out, when Roger Charlton’s runner has been held-up at the rear, so we’ll hope he’s placed a little more handily today.
The Listed Sandringham Handicap is for fillies and brings down the curtain on Day 2 of Royal Ascot. Her Majesty The Queen has Diploma going for her in this one, with Ryan Moore on top of the Sir Michael Stoute-trained runner. She surprised many, by beating Sagely at York last time out and has won on good to soft ground at Headquarters. John Gosden’s Persuasive certainly makes a strong case for her consideration, following 3 straight victories, while Czabo has won in Listed company at Deauville.
The Rest Of Today’s Action
Today’s other UK meetings are at Hamilton, Uttoxeter, Ripon and Chelmsford. There are 7 races at Wexford, in Ireland, with Joseph O’Brien’s Cradle Mountain likely to attract plenty of market-support in the 5.50. There are 8 races on the card, at both Auteuil and Greyville.
Today’s Picks
ROYAL ASCOT
2.30 Forge
3.05 Lady Aurelia
3.40 Usherette
4.20 Found
5.00 Captain Cat
5.35 Diploma
CHELMSFORD
6.10 Pepita
6.40 Bridge Of Sighs
7.10 Bowson Fred
7.40 Forever Popular
8.10 Baileys Mirage
8.40 Desert River
9.10 Proven Point
HAMILTON
2.10 Pulsating
2.45 Love Dreams
3.20 Doeadeer
3.55 Born Innocent
4.35 Dubai Dynamo
5.10 Ted’s Brother
5.45 Hero’s Story
RIPON
6.30 Canny Style
7.00 Rosebride
7.30 Ninetta
8.00 My Amigo
8.30 Tanaasub
9.00 Grand Canyon
UTTOXETER
2.20 Rocklander
2.55 Sinakar
3.30 Allez Vic
4.05 Exemplary
4.45 Goldray
5.20 Brook
5.55 Yukon Delta
WEXFORD
5.50 Cradle Mountain
6.20 Red Giant
6.50 Fighting Days
7.20 Ted
7.50 Back Before Dawn
8.20 Cavite Beta
8.50 Golden Flowerpower
AUTEUIL
R1 Cariatide
R2 Valzan
R3 D’Vina
R4 La Symphonie
R5 Spiderman
R6 Bise De Mer
R7 Calva Du Rib
R8 Les Sables Blancs
GREYVILLE
R1 Rand Hedge
R2 Beaute Noire
R3 Majix
R4 Executive Power
R5 Black Jaguar
R6 Kiss Me Hardy
R7 Rain In Africa
R8 Sambora
