Racing
Royal Ascot Win 6 Preview | 18th June
14.30 Chesham Stakes (Listed)
Quite a difficult opener to solve but I’ll put up four debutant winners in the hope we can get through the first leg of the pool. AIX LA CHAPELLE represents a stable with an outstanding record in this event, so he’s much respected. NOLA SOUL won nicely at Leopardstown and should be able to step forward, along with SEA VENTURE and REVELS, who made winning debuts in the UK.
Tips: AIX LA CHAPELLE, NOLA SOUL, SEA VENTURE & REVELS
15.05 King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
Plenty to note on this intriguing renewal with the vote going to CANNES.
He ran a lovely race when second on debut to James J Braddock and the winner has boosted the form since by finishing third in the Epsom Derby. He filled the same spot at Leopardstown next time before relishing the step up in trip at the same course next time out, winning easily. Off a handy mark of 95, and having a great profile, Joseph O’Brien’s charge makes plenty of appeal.
His stablemate ATOMIC CITY also placed on his first couple of starts before winning at Cork. He’s predominantly been competing on slower ground but perhaps it’s more of a coincidence instead of being ground dependent. With Tom Marquand booked, don’t be surprised to see him have a say in the matter.
Tips: CANNES & ATOMIC CITY
15.40 Ribblesdale Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2)
LEGACY LINK lost very little in defeat when a good second in the Epsom Oaks and is strongly fancied to go close with her sights lowered. She is progressing at a rate of knots and is seemingly the choice of Colin Keane, so a repeat showing from last time ought to be good enough to succeed. She’s tough, genuine and has a fantastic chance but it remains to be seen if her latest effort has left its mark.
GILDED PRIZE surrendered her unbeaten record in Paris when last seen but conditions wouldn’t have suited and she’s better judged on her three previous wins. Oisin Murphy takes the ride and I can see her giving the favourite the most to think about. Her connections seem confident about her credentials, so she’s definitely one to consider.
Tips: LEGACY LINK & GILDED PRIZE
16.15 Gold Cup (Group 1)
In the feature race, the Gold Cup, I’m sticking with last year’s 1-2 in the shape of TRAWLERMAN and SWEET WILLIAM.
Last year’s winner has an absence to overcome, which is a concern, but I have no doubt his connections will have done their best to get him in the best possible condition. He won this by seven lengths, and IF he’s anywhere near that level of form, then he’s going to be tough to catch if allowed to dictate.
SWEET WILLIAM always runs his race and ran really well when second in this event last year. He’s obviously vulnerable to younger legs but he is so consistent and deserves to land a race of this calibre. He also has a great course record, so I really hope he brings his best form to the table and can do himself justice once more.
Tips: TRAWLERMAN & SWEET WILLIAM
16.50 Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
WISE PRINCE may well provide Toby Moore with a first Royal Ascot winner. His mark of 102 might appear a little stiff but his rider can take off 7lb and he’s dropped in grade.
His third in the Group 3 Classic Trial earlier in the year is good form and he cast aside a lesser effort in the Group 2 Dante to finish fourth at Sandown. With more to come, he’s certainly not out of this for the Gosden’s.
CREST OF FIRE is consistent and caught the eye when third at Carlisle. This race should be run to suit and Tom Marquand is an interesting booking, too. I think he’s in with a chance based on his two previous starts over a mile.
Tips: WISE PRINCE & CREST OF FIRE
17.35 Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3)
This is a cracking race. GENERIC couldn’t get to grips with Constitution River in the Dee Stakes but the winner has won a Group 1 since and the third has won a Listed race. Andrew Balding’s charge has the form to play a leading role and James Doyle is a fascinating booking as well.
MY LOVE IS KING has been kept fresh for this and has a decent chance. He came within a neck of beating Maltese Cross on his penultimate start and the winner subsequently finished a fantastic second in the Epsom Derby, which is standout form. He filled the same spot in a Listed race when last seen (not run to suit) and must be considered a player based on that previous form.
Tips: GENERIC & MY LOVE IS KING
