Royal Ascot Day 3
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Royal Ascot at York - Day 3 Overview From Ladbrokes Day 3 Of Royal Ascot is upon us and there have been some decent races. Not many complete outsiders have come in as yet, so I am expecting to see punters get hammered sooner rather than later while betting at Royal Ascot. Keep your eye out for lively outsiders, they will come for sure, when I don't know, but they will come.
14:30 Royal Ascot at York Norfolk Stakes (Group 3)
Going: GOOD Distance: 5f
NORFOLK STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
In the opener, we will side with Strike Up The Band, with his biggest dangers reckoned to be Classic Encounter, Masta Plasta, Sunrise Safari and Green Park.
The selection has won two of his three races, and is possibly unlucky not to be unbeaten as he was narrowly defeated by Ooh Ah Camara at Chester. However, he put that behind him when scooting up at Goodwood last time, beating yesterday's Chesham Stakes third, Crocodile Bay, in the process. He looks useful and can go well for his in-form yard today.
Classic Encounter won very well on his latest start and, so long as the going does not become soft, looks to hold good claims, while Green Park is progressive and has done little wrong in winning his last two races, so can go well, and Masta Plasta also looked very progressive when winning at Newcastle last time and has similar claims.
Sunrise Safari was placed in a Listed contest at Sandown last time, and that form is solid, so he can go well also. However, we are happy to side with Strike Up The Band.
Going: GOOD Distance: 5f
NORFOLK STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
In the opener, we will side with Strike Up The Band, with his biggest dangers reckoned to be Classic Encounter, Masta Plasta, Sunrise Safari and Green Park.
The selection has won two of his three races, and is possibly unlucky not to be unbeaten as he was narrowly defeated by Ooh Ah Camara at Chester. However, he put that behind him when scooting up at Goodwood last time, beating yesterday's Chesham Stakes third, Crocodile Bay, in the process. He looks useful and can go well for his in-form yard today.
Classic Encounter won very well on his latest start and, so long as the going does not become soft, looks to hold good claims, while Green Park is progressive and has done little wrong in winning his last two races, so can go well, and Masta Plasta also looked very progressive when winning at Newcastle last time and has similar claims.
Sunrise Safari was placed in a Listed contest at Sandown last time, and that form is solid, so he can go well also. However, we are happy to side with Strike Up The Band.
15:05 Royal Ascot at York Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m 4f
RIBBLESDALE STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
An interesting Ribbledale Stakes can go to Fashionable, with Something Exciting and Twyla Tharp possibly proving to be her biggest dangers. Unbeaten in two starts, the Barry Hills-trained selection has looked very promising indeed in winning those races, the latest at Listed level.
She deserves to take her chance at this level and, from an in-form yard, can run a big race. It is slightly surprising to see the Oaks runner-up, Something Exciting, take her place but, given that connections are clearly happy with her, she warrants the utmost respect.
Silk And Scarlet was four-and-a-half lengths behind her there, but Twyla Tharp created a very good impression when winning at Goodwood last time and she is respected, even though this is a big step up in class.
Thakafaat was beaten a length-and-a-half by Something Exciting in the Lupe Stakes in May, so also holds claims, while Sir Michael Stoute's Asawer, a well-bred filly, is sure to build on her Salisbury win, although she will need to.
Desert Move has two lengths to find on Fashionable based on Newmarket form, and the Musidora Stakes winner,
Secret History, holds place claims but will maybe find two or three too good for her today. Overall, then, the vote goes to Fashionable.
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m 4f
RIBBLESDALE STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
An interesting Ribbledale Stakes can go to Fashionable, with Something Exciting and Twyla Tharp possibly proving to be her biggest dangers. Unbeaten in two starts, the Barry Hills-trained selection has looked very promising indeed in winning those races, the latest at Listed level.
She deserves to take her chance at this level and, from an in-form yard, can run a big race. It is slightly surprising to see the Oaks runner-up, Something Exciting, take her place but, given that connections are clearly happy with her, she warrants the utmost respect.
Silk And Scarlet was four-and-a-half lengths behind her there, but Twyla Tharp created a very good impression when winning at Goodwood last time and she is respected, even though this is a big step up in class.
Thakafaat was beaten a length-and-a-half by Something Exciting in the Lupe Stakes in May, so also holds claims, while Sir Michael Stoute's Asawer, a well-bred filly, is sure to build on her Salisbury win, although she will need to.
Desert Move has two lengths to find on Fashionable based on Newmarket form, and the Musidora Stakes winner,
Secret History, holds place claims but will maybe find two or three too good for her today. Overall, then, the vote goes to Fashionable.
15:45 Royal Ascot at York Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1)
Going: GOOD Distance: 2m 4f
GOLD CUP RACE OVERVIEW >>
This looks like an excellent opportunity for Westerner to land the Gold Cup, with Vinnie Roe representing his biggest threat, while Percussionist and Barolo could go well at bigger prices. The Elie Lellouche-trained six-year-old looked better than ever when scoring at Longchamp on his seasonal return, having already won four Group 1 races during the course of his career. Basically, he is very useful, being a stayer with a turn of foot. He also finished second in last year's Gold Cup and, with his earplug problems now seemingly behind him, looks set to run a big race today.
Papineau beat him in the Gold Cup last year, but the Godolphin representative has had an interrupted preparation for today's race and might need the run.
There will be no such problems for the four-time Irish St Leger and Melbourne Cup winner, Vinnie Roe, and he represents a big threat.
Others that could run well at bigger prices are Percussionist and Barolo, while Fight Your Corner won the Henry II Stakes last time in good style and it will be interesting to see if the Yorkshire Cup winner Franklins Gardens will stay this extended trip, and Darasim and Mr Dinos were third and sixth in the Gold Cup last year, although the latter has not been see on the track since.
Finally, it will be interesting to see how Darsalam fares back in England as he has looked an improved performer of late. Overall, though, Westerner gets a solid vote.
Going: GOOD Distance: 2m 4f
GOLD CUP RACE OVERVIEW >>
This looks like an excellent opportunity for Westerner to land the Gold Cup, with Vinnie Roe representing his biggest threat, while Percussionist and Barolo could go well at bigger prices. The Elie Lellouche-trained six-year-old looked better than ever when scoring at Longchamp on his seasonal return, having already won four Group 1 races during the course of his career. Basically, he is very useful, being a stayer with a turn of foot. He also finished second in last year's Gold Cup and, with his earplug problems now seemingly behind him, looks set to run a big race today.
Papineau beat him in the Gold Cup last year, but the Godolphin representative has had an interrupted preparation for today's race and might need the run.
There will be no such problems for the four-time Irish St Leger and Melbourne Cup winner, Vinnie Roe, and he represents a big threat.
Others that could run well at bigger prices are Percussionist and Barolo, while Fight Your Corner won the Henry II Stakes last time in good style and it will be interesting to see if the Yorkshire Cup winner Franklins Gardens will stay this extended trip, and Darasim and Mr Dinos were third and sixth in the Gold Cup last year, although the latter has not been see on the track since.
Finally, it will be interesting to see how Darsalam fares back in England as he has looked an improved performer of late. Overall, though, Westerner gets a solid vote.
16:20 Royal Ascot at York Britannia Stakes (Handicap)
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m
BRITTANIA STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
This is probably not as competitive as it might initially look and we like the look of Mostashaar ahead of Enforcer, Notability, Hawkes Bay, Sky Crusader and Enforcer.
Quite simply, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained selection should still be unbeaten. He met trouble in running at Chester last time, but for which he would have won. Much as he has been raised five pounds for that effort, he could conceivably still be well-weighted. We will take that view anyway. He is also seven pounds better off for the length-and-a-quarter that Notability, who we also rate as competitive here, beat him at the Roodeye, which also helps.
Hawkes Bay has not run since a very good third at Newmarket in April, but a repeat of that type of form means he has to be considered.
Prize Fighter's Sandown effort on Saturday affords him some respect, while Sky Crusader's Epsom run proved that he was on the up and he too is respected, and Enforcer scored decisively at Epsom last time and a five-pounds rise looks fair, so we like him too.
Of the others, do not rule out good runs from Elusive Double and Brecon Beacon in first-time headgear but, for the winner, we will stick with Mostashaar.
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m
BRITTANIA STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
This is probably not as competitive as it might initially look and we like the look of Mostashaar ahead of Enforcer, Notability, Hawkes Bay, Sky Crusader and Enforcer.
Quite simply, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained selection should still be unbeaten. He met trouble in running at Chester last time, but for which he would have won. Much as he has been raised five pounds for that effort, he could conceivably still be well-weighted. We will take that view anyway. He is also seven pounds better off for the length-and-a-quarter that Notability, who we also rate as competitive here, beat him at the Roodeye, which also helps.
Hawkes Bay has not run since a very good third at Newmarket in April, but a repeat of that type of form means he has to be considered.
Prize Fighter's Sandown effort on Saturday affords him some respect, while Sky Crusader's Epsom run proved that he was on the up and he too is respected, and Enforcer scored decisively at Epsom last time and a five-pounds rise looks fair, so we like him too.
Of the others, do not rule out good runs from Elusive Double and Brecon Beacon in first-time headgear but, for the winner, we will stick with Mostashaar.
16:55 Royal Ascot at York Hampton Court Stakes (Listed)
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m 2f 88yds
HAMPTON COURT STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
In a tricky but interesting affair, we will side Belenus had of Zalongo, Forward Move and Indigo Cat. Much as he finished behind Indigo Cat in the Prestige Stakes on his seasonal return, Belenus can build on that promising effort as he would have needed the run and is highly-rated by his connections.
However, the chance of Indigo Cat is also respected.
Forward Move is also well-regarded, and he ran ran well when fourth to Gypsy King in the Dee Stakes last time and would be a very popular winner for Her Majesty The Queen. However, he was half-a-length behind Zalongo in that race, but two lengths ahead of Mordor.
Glen Ida disappointed last time but had run well in Sandown's Classic Trial the time before, and blinkers plus any more rain could and would, respectively, help his chance. With Profit's Reality looking held, we return to the selection, which is Belenus.
Going: GOOD Distance: 1m 2f 88yds
HAMPTON COURT STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
In a tricky but interesting affair, we will side Belenus had of Zalongo, Forward Move and Indigo Cat. Much as he finished behind Indigo Cat in the Prestige Stakes on his seasonal return, Belenus can build on that promising effort as he would have needed the run and is highly-rated by his connections.
However, the chance of Indigo Cat is also respected.
Forward Move is also well-regarded, and he ran ran well when fourth to Gypsy King in the Dee Stakes last time and would be a very popular winner for Her Majesty The Queen. However, he was half-a-length behind Zalongo in that race, but two lengths ahead of Mordor.
Glen Ida disappointed last time but had run well in Sandown's Classic Trial the time before, and blinkers plus any more rain could and would, respectively, help his chance. With Profit's Reality looking held, we return to the selection, which is Belenus.
17:30 Royal Ascot at York Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap)
Going: GOOD TO FIRM Distance: 7f
BUCKINHAM STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
Given that a low draw might be more beneficial here, we will shortlist Khabfair, Millennium Force, Moayed, Cardinal Venture, Uhoomagoo and Bahiano, but side with Fantasy Believer.
The case for the selection Fantasy Believer goes like this. He has won from a two-pound higher mark in the past, looked to be coming to hand last time, is reasonably well drawn and Kieren Fallon has been booked to ride. The case rests.
Khabfair looked progressive last year and, still lightly raced, looks set to go well from what is not a bad mark.
Millennium Force is very useful on his day and he is now edging back towards a winning mark. He looks the stronger of the Mick Channon pair.
Irish raider King Jock could be interesting if running to his Nad al Sheba form, while Zilch is not on a bad mark and, with his form looking fair, might go well from a good draw.
Moayed is holding his form well and, particularly based on his Lingfield fourth to Ifraaj last time at Lingfield, has solid claims although the draw could have been kinder, a similar comment applying to Look Here's Carol, who can be given a squeak.
Well-drawn, Cardinal Venture is competitively weighted, while Uhoomagoo, who has been allotted stall one, has caught the eye on a couple of occasions this season and could well get amongst the money.
Bahiano is the type that can get amongst the money in this type of race and comes here on the back of a good Epsom run, while the lightly-raced Stetchworth Prince is another to consider. Overall, though, we will side with Fantasy Believer.
Going: GOOD TO FIRM Distance: 7f
BUCKINHAM STAKES RACE OVERVIEW >>
Given that a low draw might be more beneficial here, we will shortlist Khabfair, Millennium Force, Moayed, Cardinal Venture, Uhoomagoo and Bahiano, but side with Fantasy Believer.
The case for the selection Fantasy Believer goes like this. He has won from a two-pound higher mark in the past, looked to be coming to hand last time, is reasonably well drawn and Kieren Fallon has been booked to ride. The case rests.
Khabfair looked progressive last year and, still lightly raced, looks set to go well from what is not a bad mark.
Millennium Force is very useful on his day and he is now edging back towards a winning mark. He looks the stronger of the Mick Channon pair.
Irish raider King Jock could be interesting if running to his Nad al Sheba form, while Zilch is not on a bad mark and, with his form looking fair, might go well from a good draw.
Moayed is holding his form well and, particularly based on his Lingfield fourth to Ifraaj last time at Lingfield, has solid claims although the draw could have been kinder, a similar comment applying to Look Here's Carol, who can be given a squeak.
Well-drawn, Cardinal Venture is competitively weighted, while Uhoomagoo, who has been allotted stall one, has caught the eye on a couple of occasions this season and could well get amongst the money.
Bahiano is the type that can get amongst the money in this type of race and comes here on the back of a good Epsom run, while the lightly-raced Stetchworth Prince is another to consider. Overall, though, we will side with Fantasy Believer.
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