THE show goes on at Royal Ascot 2015… Friday is day four and another dazzling array of talent is on display, including in the inaugural running of the Group One Commonwealth Cup…
ALBANY STAKES: There was a huge amount to like about ILLUMINATE’S only racecourse appearance when although the lesser fancied Richard Hannon runner she showed her rivals a clean pair of hooves. The vibes have been strong since and I expect she will be held up for a late burst. Ashadihan rates a big danger.
Selection: ILLUMINATE
KING EDWARD V11 STAKES: This is a disappointing renewal and it is no surprise that STRAVAGANTE was supplemented after his emphatic success on Derby Day. This would normally be a big step up in class but the opposition looks pretty moderate and the Stoute horse has the right profile to take this race. Ol Man River has to improve but the Aidan O’Brien horses have been running well all week while Festive Fare has been aimed at this race.
Selection: STRAVAGANTE
COMMONWEALTH CUP: A crackerjack of a race and one that can go to LIMATO. He hated the slow ground at Haydock and is best judged on his course and distance victory on his return. There is confidence behind Hootenanny and Tiggy Wiggy will be hard to peg back. A fabulous contest.
Selection: LIMATO
CORONATION STAKES: Lucida, Found and Erveyda provide real quality but I’m taking a chance with the upwardly mobile SPERRY to spring a surprise. She is on an upward curve, is a course and distance winner and there looks to be much more to come.
Selection: SPERRY
DUKE OF EDINBURGH HANDICAP: Mark Johnston has won this three times with double-digit priced winners and he runs Watersmeet and SENNOCKIAN STAR. The latter is a great old campaigner and is bang in form, winning last Saturday at Chester. He is 8lb lower than when he won at Glorious Goodwood last summer.
Selection: SENNOCKIAN STAR
QUEEN’S VASE: A race full of unexposed three-year-olds but on ratings Aloft is 9lb better than anything else. He was second in the Group One Racing Post Trophy behind Elm Park but this is his first run of the season. He might be vulnerable to an improver and although he is a maiden GREAT GLEN has a nice profile for this race. His fourth to Storm The Stars at Goodwood is decent form and the 2m trip should see him blossom.
Selection: GREAT GLEN
Good tipping Graham!
Thanks Jason!
Hi Jason,
I like your selections, especially Illuminate, in the Albany.
I note by the change of colours in the second heat that Stravagante has been sold to Al Shaqab Racing, hence the booking of Frankie Dettori. Here I think that Ol’ Man River should be given another chance.
In the sprint I cannot overlook the chances of the American Hootenanny. He looked a flying machine last year, and has been trained with this race in view.
I cannot look beyond Found and Aloft in their respective races to give Ryan Moore a four-timer. I also like the claims of Watersmeet in the Duke Of Edinburgh H’cap.
Finally, may I say that nobody was more surprised than me to see two of my selections turn up trumps yesterday, in the shape of Waterloo Bridge, and War Envoy. I also had two runners-up, and two that I think finished stone last. A also confess that I had not one penny on any of my selections. The same applies today.
With regard to the Gold Cup, Kingfisher must go down as one of the unluckiest losers in recent times. Many years ago Peter Walwyn’s good stayer Rock Roi was unluckily twice disqualified after finishing first in the race, both times for causing interference.
This is to take nothing away from Trip To Paris, but in a true run race, I believe that Kingfisher would have come out on top.
Pencil him in for next year.
Cheers!