Royal Ascot is something every punter should experience at least once in their lives. It is simply the very best day at racing you can have anywhere in the world. That doesnt mean that its a better days racing than say Cheltenham, it is simply unique. An amazing blend of history, style and horse flesh that cant be bettered in the world.
So all that mood setting aside how do we bet at Royal Ascot. The buzz word is caution. These are the very best horses of their genre all competing against each other and their are so many “unpredictables” that bookmakers just love it. The rules remain the same though. Look for the class, look for form of horse and trainer and then look for jockeys who excel on the big stage.
Today we go through the card as we will on each day and remember you dont have to bet in every race but if you think somehintg we have written has a resonance with your own thoughts then go with it.
2.30 Queen Anne Stakes – Group 1. 1 mile
The race revolves around Toranado. If you want to back him then you might get 11-10 or slightly bigger by the off as I think a lot of the pro’s will be out to lay him today. His 10f race at York was poor at the end of the season and his contests with Dawn Approach were exciting but not enough to say he is unbeatable against a quality field. However, who is going to beat him if you want to lay him. I think I can make a good case for Verrazano for Aiden O’Brien, Soft Falling Rain will enjoy both the ground and the track and is not that far behind Toranado on official figures and both Tullius and Side Glance are capable of a big performance.
It is probably Toranado’s to lose but I would rather be against him than with him.
Our Bet – Lay Toranado for 4 units @ 1.90 with Betfair
3.05 The Coventry Stakes Group 2 – 6 furlongs
Always a tough race. It really is about staying for these 2 year old’s. They run with the choke out, try to do it on 2 breaths and some really don’t like the big occasion and the massive field. You need maturity, a high cruising speed and a touch of class to win this and the betting normally gets the key contenders right if not the result.
Again Aiden O’Brien’s War Envoy sets the standard and Kool Kompany has more experience and an unbeaten 3/3 record coming in to this race. Adaay for William Haggas looks a likely type with 2/2. Both Jungle Cat and Portamento look very progressive as well.
I think it is a big ask to win after just one race but on the evidence of that one race I really like the chances of The Wow Signal for John Quinn, who destroyed his field, as he should but it was the manner in which he did it that was so impressive.
Our bet – 1 unit E/W The Wow Signal – Bet Victor @ 7/1
3.45 The King’s Stand Stakes Group 1, 5 furlongs
The very best speedsters on show of the flying 5 at Ascot. Its likely this will be contested by the top 5 in the betting. Hot Streak, so impressive at Haydock last time, Shea Shea, who has tons of pace and stamina and needs something to run at, Sole Power who has dominated early season sprints and Pearl Secret, who appeared to have no excuses when behind Hot Streak. Just outside those though I really like Ahtoug who, if they do go too quickly could really pick up the pieces at the end and may be a bit of value.
Our Bet : 1 unit E/W Ahtoug @ 14/1 Sportingbet
4.25 St James Palace Stakes Group 1, 1 Mile
One of my favourite races. These three year old’s have wonderful qualities of speed, stamina and most importantly a will to win. You would be proud to own any of them. In theory and on paper Kingman is too good for all of them and whilst races aren’t run on paper I don’t think my eyes lie. Not too much detail on this and unless Kingman has a bad day he will win. His stable don’t make mistakes and they know a good horse. He is a good horse over this trip.
Our Bet : 5 units win Kingman @ 11/10 with William Hill
5.00 Ascot Stakes Class 2 Hcp – 2 mile 4 furlongs
A staying race that has a great punting profile with jumps trainers dominating the last 10 runnings with 7 wins by the Jumps boys. No winner has been shorter than 11/2 in the last 10 years and RPR’s have averaged 98. Lieutenant Miller is a likely place to start as he seems to love these distance races. Fro mthe same stable Suraj looks to have loads of potential, Plinth will be no back marker for the O’Briens and Villa Royale comes in to my reckoning for my favourite trainer. Brockwell should also be respected off a lowly weight and a horse coming back in to form, who I really think needs this trip.
Our Bet : 1 unit E/W Suraj @ 12/1 and 1 unit E/W Brockwell @ 14/1 both with Betvictor
5.35 Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) 5 furlongs
There are two horse I have been waiting for in this race today. The first is Mind of Madness with Jamie Spencer on Board for David Brown and the second is Merdon Castle for David Elsworth with Ryan Moore up. Its not a race to get heavily involved but because of collateral form their is an interest both Adaay, who just beat Mind of Madness and Kool Kompany who was in front of Merdon Castle, run in the Coventry would influence my bet.
So rather than put up a bet we will list a strategy. Whichever of the two horses runs best in the Coventry we will have one unit E/W on the respective horse that they conquered. I have a sneaking suspicion that will be Merdon Castle and put Ryan Moore on the score sheet in the last.
One other day 1 strategy is
Top Jockey for the meeting : Joseph O’Brien @ 9/4 with Betfred – 4 units win
