yeah, cant wait, Im heading over there tomorrow morning to witness the opening of the brand new Ascot. Should be brilliant. its a truly superb five days of quality racing and big field handicaps to mull over. Furthermore, he Royal family add a certain air of history and tradition to it.
I havent had a a great look at the fields but heres my initial take on the races
2.35 G2 Coventry 6f 2yos
I love this race as it can be the spring board to an exciting career. Three Valleys absolutely killed his field while Landseer upset the odds in 2001 with better fancied stable mate Rock Of Gibraltar in 6th I believe,
This year I like Hellvelyn whose by Ishiguru. He's one of the best juveniles that Ive seen. Obviously Sadeek by Kyallchy and Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill) will be big dangers
3.10 G2 King's Stand 5f 3yo+
This is a cracking race with all the usual european sprinters and three aussie speedsters thrown into the mix.
Takeover Target is probably the best and most consistent aussie horse, but I like Falkirk with Johnny Murtagh on board. Of the english, Ashdown Express will run well at a huge price. Moss Vale is a sprinter in great form and La Cucaracha won one of the best sprints in europe last year and she escapes a penalty for that win. She does make her seasonal debut here though.
3.50 G1 St James's Palace 1m 3yo
This usually goes to the horse with the best form in the race (i.e no upsets). That title this year goes to Araafa who reversed form with George Washington(now injured) on bottomless ground in ireland. On quick ground I'd be willing to play against him with either of O'Briens pair of Ivan Denisovich (first choice with Fallon aboard) and Marcus Andronicus (Murtagh on board, better form than Ivan). Also watch out for Aeroplane run a big race at decent odds. he should love the ground.
4.25 G1 St Annes Stakes 1m 4yo+
Another top class race with four G1 winners in the field of 9. Put simply Proclamation shoukd hose up if 90% fit or better. He hasnt run since a disapointing 11th over 6f last september, but his sussex stakes win was the best form on offer. If Kandidate can get his head right, he can follow him home ahead of Peeress.
4.55 Ascot Stakes (Handicap) 2m4f 4yo+
Easy race to handicap, two and a half miles on the flat with just 29 runners. ill go with Top The Charts to beat Shamayoun.
5.20 Listed Windsor Castle Stakes 5f 2yo
A race for 2yos possibly not good enough to beat the next superstars in the Coventry Stakes but to get a nice prize early on in their career. Esparanto is the best of these that ive seen..
Anyway, good luck betting tomorrow in it if you can, Im gonna enjoy the day out at the new Ascot!
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