Royal Ascot - Saturday 21st June

14:30, Chesham Stakes

Humidity 9/2, 2pts each-way (3 places)

I was at Newbury to see Andrew Balding's son of Ulysses win on debut and thought that was a good bit of form. He looked as though a step up in trip would bring about improvement and I think he'll win this. 

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15:05, Hardwicke Stakes

Tabletalk 22/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Rebel's Romance will win this easily if he turns up in top form but that has to be taken on trust as the stable is having a poor week and this 7 year old has been weak in the market. At big odds, Tom Clover's Tabletalk could run well. He won the Melrose last year but has showed improved form as a 4 year old to finish 2nd in both his outings to date, both coming in decent races over this trip at Newbury. He was just touched off first time up and may have won last time out if not for conceding first run to the winner. He's a strong stayer and offers each-way appeal. 

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15:40, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes

Storm Boy 6/1, 2pts win

This is a decent renewal and Lazzat deserves to be favourite but the ground has to be a worry for the French horse. Inisherin is very good but will need further improvement to win this whilst Satono Reve brings in top international form from Asia but has been well found in the market. Storm Boy meanwhile has drifted to a backable price. The big Australian horse came over to Ireland with a big future in store for him but it all went wrong on Northern Hemisphere debut at the Curragh last month where he finished last of 9 runners. He should come on plenty for that though and Ryan Moore didn't knock him about when he was tiring late on. I suspect we will see a totally different horse here. 

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16:20, Jersey Stakes

Saracen 8/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is an open renewal of the Jersey but I like Joseph O'Brien's Saracen. He bolted up on debut on his sole run at 2 and stepped up on that form to finish 3rd in a hot renewal of the Greenham Stakes. He hasn't run since but if he can build on that then he must have a big chance here. 

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17:00, Wokingham Stakes

More Thunder 4/1, 3pts win
Ten Pounds 28/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)
Golden Mind 28/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)

More Thunder must be in calculations as he has improved so much this year since sent sprinting and looks tailor made for the Wokingham. At bigger odds though, Ten Pounds could run a big race. He won a nice race on seasonal debut over 7 furlongs at Newmarket and was fancied for the Victoria Cup here last time but was too keen and nothing went right that day. If you put a line through that run, he shouldn't be 28/1 and will stay well. Golden Mind is well in here and Richard Fahey has put up a 5 pound claimer which is encouraging. He finished 3rd in the Jersey Stakes 2 years ago and put up a huge run on Oaks day over 7 furlongs. He could be a live one for this. 

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17:35, Golden Gates Handicap

El Burhan 15/2, 2.5pts each-way (5 places)
Roosevelt 10/1, 1pt win

This just may not be the hottest renewal of the race but still a challenging one. From stall 1, Ryan Moore is going to surely force the pace on stoutly bred Roosevelt. This outlandishly expensive colt has run poorly on 2 of his starts but did win when sent to the front over 12 furlongs and is sure to run a good race but preference is for George Boughey's gelding El Burhan. He has won 3 of his 5 starts and all over about 7 furlongs. He won on seasonal debut at Chester last month and has been put up just 2 pounds for that. Considering the track and trip wouldn't have been ideal for him I though the win could be marked up. Connections now step him up markedly in trip for Royal Ascot and I expect this has been the plan. 

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18:10, Queen Alexandra Stakes

Sober 4/5, 5pts win

Wins, enough said hopefully. 

Royal Ascot - Friday 20th June

 A frustrating day on Thursday with some well fancied runners underperforming. Friday is the day we strike back. 

14:30, Albany Stakes

Fitzella 5/1, 3pts win
Signora 15/8 2pts win (saver)

Ballydoyle filly Signora was 3rd on her sole run but was slow away that day and shaped well. Reports are that she is very good so must be in the reckoning. Richard Spencer has made no bones about the fact he rates Gold Digger very highly and she looked good at Yarmouth but preference is for Hugo Palmer's speedy daughter of Starspangledbanner, Fitzella. I was at Ascot to see her make her debut on Victoria Cup day. She shaped encouragingly that day to finish a close second to a short priced favourite over 5 furlongs and looked as though a step up in trip would bring about improvement. On her sole run since she was duly stepped up to this trip at Haydock and won with consummate ease. The Coolmore filly may be top class but she will need to be to outgun Fitzella. 

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15:05, Commonwealth Cup

Shadow Of Light 15/8, 4pts win
Rayevka 25/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is probably one of the best renewals of the Commonwealth Cup run to date. Shisospicy brings in form from America and has looked good over the Atlantic but a stiff 6 furlongs will ask a big question of her and she could be poorly drawn in stall 2. Big Mojo is likeable and sure to run his race but seems exposed at this level, as does Ides Of March although his run at Newbury last time can be marked up as he had poor track position and rates an each-way possible here. Reyevka bounced back to form last time out and flies the flag for France. She shouldn't be underestimated given she's been supplemented for this. Whistlejacket will have his supporters and is game as a penny but has ground to make up with Babouche from last time out. The Ger Lyon's filly beat him fair and square at Naas and has always looked a quality sprinter. She just needs to put it all together and it's notable that she underperformed on her only start in England to date. Jonquil has looked a top notcher this season after winning the Greenham well on seasonal debut over 7 furlongs he improved on that form to finish 2nd in the French Guineas over a mile last time out. He hasn't looked to be crying out for a drop in trip though and the suspicion is he has been sent here to avoid the owner-mate Field Of Gold. Field Of Gold hacked up on Tuesday but back at Newmarket in May he finished alongside Godolphin's dual Group 1 winning juvenile, Shadow Of Light. Charlie Appleby's colt was a shining light last year and swept all before him in the Autumn. It's difficult to forget how well he won the Middle Park in September but he improved his form to finish 3rd in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket over a mile, a trip that stretched him. That was a huge run considering he raced on the wrong side of the track and the move he made at the 2 pole was impressive. He has all the credentials to take the sprinting world by storm this summer and it could start right here. 

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15:40, Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

Stressfree 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
Auld Toon Loon 20/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

One of the less prestigious handicaps of the week but another competitive one. Last year's beaten favourite Ethical Diamond goes again and looks likely to be the market pick all over again. He ran a mighty race considering he was drawn wide and was keen throughout. He's drawn better here but that keenness hasn't been forgotten and he's 2 pounds higher 12 months on. Mount Atlas brings in good course form and looked progressive last year and most have a chance for all he has looked a bit weak at the finish so far this year. Hand Of God would be interesting if coming on for a below par seasonal debut and Almosh'her is well thought off and looks game as a pebble. He won a good race at York last time and must hold every chance of following up but he only just touched off Stressfree that day and although he is now worse off at the weights with Almosh'her he looks just as progressive and has been drawn a little bit better and will probably benefit more from the likely fast pace. David O'Meara's charge likes to be played late and at 16/1 he looks a nice each-way bet. As does Tom Dascombe's Auld Toon Loun. Not on many peoples' lips as a lively one for this but the 6 year old son of Belardo bounced back well from a poor hurdling campaign last year to bolt up by half the track at Bath in the Autumn before finishing a creditable 4th in the November Handicap over this trip at Doncaster despite being poorly positioned up the straight. He ran well in graded company at Lingfield in December but it is what he did on his only run since that makes him interesting. Over 2 furlongs shorter than today he finished 2nd at Chester after coming from miles off the pace turning for home only to just fail on the line. He showed he handles fast ground that day and shaped as though a well run 12 furlong handicap would be right up his street. He's been drawn well in stall 4 and although has a bit to find on bare form, he wouldn't be 20/1 if trained by a bigger stable. 

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16:20, Coronation Stakes

Falekayah 11/4, 5pts win
Zarigana 9/4, 2pts win (saver)

The highlight of the week for fillies is the Coronation Stakes and although it is missing the headline act that is Lake Victoria, it is still a very good renewal. 1000 Guineas runner-up Flight will find this track more to her liking than the Curragh but looks exposed enough whilst Ballydoyle turn to January in the absence of Lake Victoria. This well bred daughter of Kingman brings in good form from last year but needs to improve for her 8th placed finish in the Irish 1000 Guineas on her sole run this year so far. Kon Tikki is unbeaten in 3 starts and looks sure to run her race but this is a big step up in class now and wouldn't be the pick on trends. French 1000 Guineas winner, Zarigana, looks set to go off favourite for this race and she has looked very classy in her short career so far. She is the only classic winner in the race but it is worth noting that she was given the French Guineas in the steward's room after finishing 2nd past the post and the form of the race hasn't exactly been franked since too well. Preference is for Shadwell's exciting unbeaten daughter of New Bay, Falekayah. I was fortunate enough to be at Newmarket on 1000 Guineas day to see Owen Burrow's filly run in the Pretty Polly. It looked a fair race on paper beforehand but it was over before the stalls had opened in all honesty as Jim Crowley's mount towered over her competition in stature and has to be just about the most impressive specimen of a filly to be seen on a racecourse this year. She dominated the looks department and duly did the same in the race, winning by a mile over 10 furlongs. The Oaks at Epsom was talked about immediately afterwards but connections felt that after just 2 runs and with such natural speed she has showed in her short career that it wasn't the wisest move and she was then being aimed at the French Oaks only to be drawn away from that late on to be diverted here. This drop in trip didn't look likely after winning the Pretty Polly so well but she has clearly shown so much at home that connections think she will win no matter the distance. It's go big or go home time. 

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17:00, Sandringham Stakes

Miss Nightfall 6/1, 2pts win
Silver Ghost 11/1, 1.5pts win

It has been a very long time since I managed to find the winner of this race. A 30 runner handicap for 3 year old fillies is not the easiest but I think the form from the Harroway's Handicap at Goodwood last month could be key. Silver Ghost bolted up that day after doing something similar at Newmarket on Guineas weekend. She is mightily progressive and this step up in trip should bring about even more improvement. Miss Nightfall finished 2nd to her that day and is now 6 pounds better off but didn't enjoy much luck in the run and the jockey booking of Oisin Murphy takes the ride. They should both have big chances in an open race. 

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17:35, King Edward VII Stakes

Puppet Master 5/1, 3pts each-way (3 places)

This looks a 3 horse race for the 'Ascot Derby' and most punters will be siding with unbeaten Amiloc. Ralph Beckett hasn't had a great week however and there must be doubts about the ground for this son of Postponed. He is progressive and brings in decent form but takes a while to get going and won't want this to turn tactical. Johnny Murtagh's Zahrann must have a big chance but at slightly bigger odds, so too does Aidan O'Brien's Puppet Master. I saw him run at Newmarket in the Autumn when he was slightly disappointing but I remember leaving thinking he would make into a nice 3 year old and he has done just that by taking the Lingfield Derby trial after a nice seasonal opener in a Derby Trial in Ireland where he finished only a few lengths behind Derby winner Lambourn. He will love this trip and ground and the stable couldn't be in better form.

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18:10, Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes

Zayer 7/1, 2pts win
Brossay 20/1, 1pt each-way

A wide open cavalry charge to end the day here and the huge market gamble on Archie Watson's Zayer could be telling. Sure the price may have gone but he must have a huge chance. He's shaped so well on his 2 starts this season when nothing has really gone right for him, he must be well handicapped if he can put it all together and I'm sure he'll have been trained for this. He's well drawn. Also well drawn at bigger odds is Brossay who actually finished in front of Zayer when 2nd at Sandown in April over this trip. Not a lot went right for Brossay that day but he finished 2nd to a potentially classy filly and it's telling that he's been kept away for this since, presumably to protect what could be a mightily lenient handicap mark of just 88. Could run well at a big price. 

Royal Ascot - Thursday 19th June

 0.2pts profit after Wednesday

14:30, Norfolk Stakes

Charles Darwin 4/5, 2.5pts win

The Norfolk Stakes is usually one of the hottest juvenile races of the week but this year there is a big standout and that is Charles Darwin. This big, powerful brother to 2 year old Group 1 winner Blackbeard has looked very forward on his 3 runs to date and should really be doing the business here. 

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15:05, King George V Stakes

Sing Us A Song 9/2, 2pts win

This is a typically fiendish renewal of the King George V Stakes and any amount of runners could be ahead of the handicapper. Merchant won well over this trip at York last time out and looks set to have his fair share of supporters whilst Daiquiri Bay could run well at bigger odds now stepped up to a trip that should suit, albeit both a drawn poorly. Gunship is progressive and has a nice profile for the race but will need luck in running given his hold up style and Ammes has been progressing nicely and has shaped well over this trip the last twice. Aidan O'Brien fields 3 in search of his second win in the race and leading hopes seem to lie with Serious Contender who still looks well weighted after winning over a shorter trip in a handicap at Leopardstown in March and it's telling that he hasn't run since. Preference however, is for Wathan's new recruit from the Ralph Beckett yard Sing Us A Song. I was at Sandown to see him lead all the way in a 10 furlong handicap. He looked big that day and the fact he won should be marked up as he definitely had more to come. He powered away from his rivals in the final furlong to suggest this step up in trip could bring about even more improvement and given that it was a strong race for the level, a 7 pound rise in the weights isn't unjust. He's been kept back for this race and although he's drawn out wide in stall 17, I suspect he'll prove better than a handicapper in time. 

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15:40, Ribblesdale Stakes

Serenity Prayer 10/3, 6pts win

A fair, if not red hot, renewal of the Ribblesdale Stakes sees 11 fillies go to post. Andrew Balding's Serenity Prayer went into many notebooks after winning a decent maiden on debut at Newbury in April, lengthening to the line. She impressed with her stature in the prelims and this incredibly well bred daughter of Dubawi improved on that form to finish a game 2nd to subsequent Oaks runner-up Whirl in the Musidora. She's open to any amount of improvement on just her 3rd career start and now stepping up in distance. She looks one of the bets of the week. 

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16:20, Gold Cup

Illinois 7/4, 4pts win

The highlight of the week for most and the linchpin of the meeting is the Gold Cup. This perhaps isn't the strongest renewal of the race with dual winner Kyprois retired last month but the door has been left ajar for a new kid on the block to step in and take the mantle. Trawlerman would be a popular winner at the age of 7 and brings in the best form over marathon trips having finished 2nd in the race last year and has held his form well. He will run his usual game race, as will Sweet William and Coltrane, although they look to have it all to do if they are to win at the highest level. French gelding Candelari couldn't come into this in better form having won a Group 1 over nearly 2 miles on his last start and is the most unexposed runner however, the form of that win last time out can be argued with and he will need to prove he can handle the quicker going. Kyprios is a big miss for this meeting and Ballydoyle however, out of the shadow of the great stayer emerges perhaps another in the shape of Illinois. This son of Galileo is a half brother to Arc winner Danedream and kept up the family honour at the top level having finished a narrow second in the St Leger last year. That is probably the best form in the race and he further enhanced his staying potential when running out a ready winner of the Prix Chaudenay in October. He's shown he's trained on when winning the Ormonde Stakes at Chester last month and although this wasn't plan A at the start of the season, I expect him to be the prefect super-sub. 

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17:00, Britannia Stakes

Parole D'oro 10/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)
The Lost King 25/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

One of the hottest handicaps of the week and this looks to have plenty who could shape up into real pattern performers. Raafedd has shot to the head of the market in recent days and it's easy to see why given the way he hacked up at Newbury on his last start and could be a handicap blot. He's sure to run well, as is Teroom who has been mightily consistent this year having won all 3 of his races but may not be as far ahead of the handicapper as others now. Brave Mission and Shout finished 2nd and 3rd in a decent handicap at this course last time out and hold chances together with Arabian Story who stepped up markedly on his Meydan form to bolt up at Chelmsford on his last start and Oisin Murphy keeps the ride. The form of that race looks solid. La Botte, Fearnot and Fifth Column will all have supporters, especially the latter who looked good when winning the Esher Cup at Sandown last month and is still feasably weighted. It may be that one who finished behind him that day could run well here at big odds. Andrew Balding's The Lost King finished 3rd that day but looked like he would benefit the most for the run and this striking son of Kingman is now weighted to turn around form with that rival. He's drawn with the fancied runners and should run a big race with that effort now under his belt. Main preference however, is for the Michael Bell trained colt Parole D'oro. This son is St James' Palace Stakes winner Without Parole ran an eye catching race on debut over this track when a fast finishing 2nd over this track before duly doing the business at Epsom on his only other start at 2. He ran a mighty race on seasonal debut at Thirsk 58 days ago when beaten by re-opposing Teroom. He looked likely to win that day before being outgunned late on but shaped like the better horse of the 2 and is now 6 pounds better off with that rival. He's drawn well in stall 24 and has seemingly been saved for this race. A big run is expected. 

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17:35, Hampton Court Stakes

Jacknife 9/2, 2pts win

This is a very open renewal of the Hampton Court and we have the 3rd and 4th from the French Derby taking part, Detain and Trinity College. They will both have supporters but they had tough races that day and it was only 18 days ago. This will be Trinity College's 4th run of the season. High Stock ran well in the Dee Stakes on his last start and that looks like good form in this context whilst Tornado Alert will find this easier than the Derby and isn't without a chance albeit he needs to bounce back to form. Meanwhile Jacknife has done very little wrong in his 2 starts. He overcame the tricky course to win tidily on debut at Epsom in April before putting up an eye catching performance in the Heron Stakes at Sandown last month in what looked like a strong race. He was unlucky in the run that night but not knocked about and shaped as though this step up in trip will bring about improvement. 

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18:10, Buckingham Palace Stakes

Gleneagle Bay 11/2, 2pts win

This looks almost impossible but Gleneagle Bay comes into this after narrowly failing in the Victoria Cup over course and distance last month and this race doesn't look any harder. He's been targeted at this race since and must have a big chance. 

Royal Ascot - Wednesday 18th June

 4.7 points in profit after Tuesday

14:30, Queen Mary Stakes

Cardiff By The Sea 12/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Revival Power 20/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

A red hot and wide open 2 year old Group 2 for fillies opens day 2 of the Royal Meeting and it may pay to start with the Ballydoyle representative, True Love. The daughter of No Nay Never jumped to the head of the market for this after Gstaad, who had beaten her less than a length last time out, ran out an impressive winner of the Coventry on Tuesday. Before that she had finished 2nd on debut to a classy filly who looks top class and so Ryan Moore's mount undoubtably brings the best form to the table. She has been done no favours by the draw however, being put out in stall 25 right on the wing and she's quite a way away from the likely pace up the middle. With that in mind, she may be worth taking on at the prices. Zelaina has spent most of the last couple of weeks being most punters' idea of a banker for the meeting after showing plenty of dash to win well at Nottingham on debut. She now finds herself usurped at the head of the market and although seemingly well drawn in stall 15, she will find this harder to dominate and the form of that Nottingham race can be quibbled with. American filly Lennilu is sure to have her supporters after being unbeaten in 2 runs in the states and is the unknown quantity in the field. She is another who has shown plenty of zip so it may pay to look for horses who could benefit from coming off the pace. To that end the eye is drawn to Tommy Stack's Starspangledbanner filly Cardiff By The Sea. She was clearly well thought of to be thrown in against Norfolk Stakes favourite Charles Darwin on debut and she looked as though she could shock the colt briefly before being outclassed in the final furlong. She still managed to finish clear of the other 2 runners that day and it's very promising that she's being pitched straight into Group 2 company after that. Connections have acquired the services of Oisin Murphy and she will enjoy having some pace to aim at here. It's worth noting that her dam was a Listed Stakes winner at 2 years old for the stable. So too should likely outsider Revival Power. Tim Easterby's King Power owned filly is a full sister to Winter Power who was not only a Group 3 winner as a juvenile but went on to claim the Nunthorpe at 3. Revival Power has a long way to go to be talked about in the same way as her sister but she couldn't have started her career any better than when winning and she did so by coming from last early on to storm through rivals and power away to win by a length from a subsequent winner, the 5th has won since too. 

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15:05, Queen's Vase

Carmers 13/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

This doesn't smack of being a great renewal of the staying contest for 3 year olds and the market is a bit up in the air and not sure who to make clear favourite. Aidan O'Brien won this last year with Illinois and goes in search of back to back wins with Shackleton and Scandanavia. The former was last seen finishing 4th in a Group 3 at the Curragh over half a mile shorter than this. He finished 4th that day and although briefly hampered he didn't give the impression that he's a group winner in waiting and after 5 starts may have less improvement in him than others. His stablemate comes into this off the back of a  maiden win at Navan and is unexposed but whether he will stay this far is questionable on breeding. The French trained Amarani is sure to be popular given his trainer sent out Calandagan to win at this meeting last year and his runner here has yet to finish worse than 2nd in his 3 starts to date. He shapes as though he'll stay but isn't guaranteed on breeding and will have to prove he handles this quicker ground. Pinhole and Further ran down the field in a red hot renewal of the Chester Vase on their last starts but now come into this with more than a few questions to answer. With so many queries hanging over the principles in this race it may prove to side with the proven stayer in the race, Carmers. Paddy Twomey's Wootton Bassett colt is unbeaten in his 2 starts and comes into this off the back of an impressive win in the Yeats Stakes 32 days ago. He's a likeable horse who looks sure to run his race and this has reportedly been the aim for a while. 

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15:40, Duke Of Cambridge Stakes

Fallen Angel 7/2, 3.5pts win
Cinderella's Dream 7/4, 2pts win (saver)

A classy renewal, if not the strongest in recent years, of the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes and this year will be run on the round course. Charlie Appleby's 4 year old filly Cinderella's Dream comes into this off a sparkling win in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket over a trip just a bit further than this and looks sure to have her supporters. She may well find a mile on the round track here sharp enough however and so preference is for Karl Burke's Fallen Angel. The daughter of Too Darn Hot came on leaps and bounds for her seasonal debut last year to hack up in the Irish Guineas and looks well placed to progress from this years opening effort in the Lockinge last month. 

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16:20, Prince Of Wales's Stakes

Los Angeles 9/4, 2pts win

One of, if not the most sought after races of the week is the 10 furlong group 1 that is the Prince Of Wales's Stakes. Wednesday's feature has been won by some stars of the game in the past including 2023 Derby winner Auguste Rodin who sprinted to glory in this 12 months ago. That Aidan O'Brien trained colt was sent of favourite and another Ballydoyle winner looks set to go off a warm order this year in the shape of last year's Irish Derby hero Los Angeles. Ryan Moore's mount comes into this off the back of a battling win in the Tattersalls Gold Cup over this trip at the Curragh 24 days ago; he fended off the challenge of Anmaat that day. Owen Burrow's admirable 7 year old is respected again in the rematch now that he's got that run under his belt but it's hard to see him getting past Los Angeles on a stiff track in a race that is sure to be truly run. Map Of Stars and See The Fire look dangers but the biggest threat could come from Godolphin's Ombudsman. The 4 year old Night Of Thunder colt lost his unbeaten record in the Brigadier Gerrard at Sandown last month but conceded first run and race fitness to a classy winner and did briefly look the winner 2 furlongs out. He's likely to come on plenty for that effort and looks sure to go close. 

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17:00, Royal Hunt Cup

Bullet Point 11/1, 2pts win
High Royal 25/1, 1pt each-way (7 places)

The premier handicap of the week, the Royal Hunt Cup. 30 runners will charge down the straight mile at Ascot and it may well pay to start with the likely favourite My Cloud. Roger Varian's 4 year old has been the first name on the lips of most punters for this race since the book opened and it's hard not to like his chances. He's won his last 3 races and is still totally unexposed. He's upwardly mobile, drawn with the other market principles and has course form to boot. There's not much to dislike other than his price really but he must be in all calculations. Joseph O'Brien's runner, The Liffey, has been the subject of a huge gamble over the past few days and his price is now settling towards the head of the market. Like My Cloud, he is lightly raced and has any amount of potential. He clearly hasn't been the easiest to train but his form is just about the best on offer here and must be in with a huge shout. Qirat brings in decent form to this and was just touched off in the Victoria Cup on his latest start but he does give the impression that the mile just stretches him a little. Fox Legacy has been kept fresh for this after winning well at Newmarket in early May but will need this to be a real stamina test at the trip, whilst Greek Order is the unknown quantity in the field having come back to these shores after a disappointing and brief career in the US. Another recent Newmarket winner is William Haggas's 4 year old son of Blue Point, Bullet Point. Like the favourite, he is a 4 year old coming into this off a hat-trick of victories and impressing along the way. He's just as upwardly mobile as My Cloud and represents shrewd connections who know what it takes to win a big handicap. He's drawn in stall 2 and how good that it is is anyone's guess but he comes into this with a big chance. On the same side of the course will be Kevin Ryan's 5 year old Hi Royal. The mount of Billy Loughnane is still high in the weights but is still well weighted on best form having been placed in the 2000 Guineas 2 years ago. He's been in and out of form since then but bounced back to finish 2nd in the Thirsk Hunt Cup on seasonal debut behind a classy winner. That was the best he's been since his 3 year old days and if he comes on for that, should run well. 

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17:35, Kensington Palace Stakes

Arolla 7/1, 1.5pts each-way (6 places)
Julia Augusta 14/1, 1pt each-way (7 places)

The King's horse, Rainbows Edge, heads the weights and the market here and is sure to have her backers. She's progressive and brings course form to the table so there isn't much to dislike however, it is a big ask to shoulder top weight in a Royal Ascot handicap and she must give pounds to plenty of improving types. James Fanshawe's filly Sky Safari races off a mark of 84 so will get lumps from the favourite and must have a chance but stall 1 hasn't done her any favours and will need to learn to settle better. Julia Augusta looks set to run well at decent odds after a very pleasing seasonal debut at Epsom earlier this month. She will appreciate this test more and looks well weighted on past form. But Arolla looks best placed to play a winning hand. This well bred daughter of Kingman looked classy on debut when bolting up over this trip at Chepstow last year and duly followed up at Leicester. She found life at pattern level difficult thereafter but bounced back on seasonal debut when finishing 2nd to a classy sort at Musselburgh over 7 furlongs 11 days ago. It's telling that connections are keen to come straight here and she could be the best handicapped of these.

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18:10, Windsor Castle Stakes

Jan Steen 12/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
Shaman Champion 16/1, 0.5pts each-way (5 places)

This is a wide open renewal. Rogue Legend has looked impressive on his last 2 starts but the form can be challenged whilst Old Is Gold was being closed in on at the line when winning at Beverley last time out. Havana Hurricane is respected after finishing 2nd in the Woodcote but doesn't look the easiest ride and although Rogue Supremacy looked good when winning at Wetherby it was a weak race and he was allowed to dictate from the front. Utmost Respect has just that after finishing 2nd at York in a race he would surely have won but with better luck in running however, the form of that race has taken a couple of knocks. Shaman Champion could run well at big odds. He's been drawn poorly in stall 1 but ran out a ready winner of a big field maiden at Leicester and he's a big colt who looked good that day. Jan Steen just about edges the vote at the likely odds however. He bossed a 4 runner maiden on debut but powered through the line that day suggesting he would get further. He was tried over 6 furlongs last time out at Listed level (York) and again tried to lead all the way. He was collared late on and finished 3rd but what I liked was how he kept battling when looking as though he'd drop back through the field and shaped as though he'd learned plenty for that outing. That is still good form in the context of this race as the winner that day has since finished 2nd in the National Stakes and although the runner-up has disappointed since, the 5th placed Tadej was beaten less than 5 lengths in the Coventry. 

Royal Ascot - Tuesday 17th June

 14:30, Queen Anne Stakes

Rosallion 9/4, 2pts win

What a barn stormer of a Group 1 to open the meeting. The Queen Anne is always a race to look forward to and the 2025 renewal is no different. The Lockinge looks to hold the key form to this race now that course winner Sardinian Warrior is out. Lead Artist just got the better of the argument with Dancing Gemini that day. Both horses came into that off the back of running in the Bet365 Mile at Sandown in April, with the winner especially showing the benefit of that. Lead Artist is well respected again here given he won that race but the suspicion is that this won't pan out so favourably and he's not always been the most consistent in the past. Dancing Gemini should run his race again but this will be even harder now as the 2 horses who finished in behind the leaders that day are expecting to improve plenty for the outing. Last year's 2000 Guineas winner, Notable Speech ran a similar race to Rosallion and is expected to go closer but preference is for Richard Hannon's stable star to notch a 2nd Royal Ascot victory following on from his victory in the St James' Palace Stakes on this day 12 months ago. Sean Levey's mount was clearly lacking fitness in the prelims but briefly looked like winning a furlong from home before tiring late on. He still managed to fend of Notable Speech for third that day but is expected to make more progress from Newbury than his old nemesis. 

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15:05, Coventry Stakes

Gstaad 11/2, 2pts win

The week's first 2 year old race is also it's most prestigious. The Coventry Stakes is always a fiercely contested Group 2 and this year seems to have a more open look to it with ante-post favourite, Albert Einstein, ruled out of the race last week. There's too many in here to mention but Irish runners Andab and Power Blue must be respected given they ran well against Albert Einstein when finishing 3rd and 2nd behind him in the Marble Hill last time out but others may have more potential. The front end of the market is stacked with debutant winners who are now having their second run of their careers. Paul and Oliver Cole's colt American Gulf is respected after putting up a classy effort at Windsor, whilst Military Code brings in decent course form and is now 2 from 2. Rock Of Thunder and Underwriter were impressive winners on their debuts and both must be respected, particularly the former as the race he won at Leicester had some depth to it. Postmodern put up perhaps the most eyecatching performance of a 2 year old so far this year in Britain when hosing up at Yarmouth 26 days ago. He must have a big shout but my only worry is that he was quite a handful that day and his big event could get to him. That's only a slight negative though. In the absence of potential superstar Albert Einstein, the racing machine that is Ballydoyle has turned to Gstaad and Warsaw in search of an astonishing 11th win in the race. Warsaw won well at Navan on debut, striding well clear of the field 10 days ago. The suspicion is that it wasn't expected however, as he was sent off 18/1 and ridden by a 5 pound claimer. He's clearly exciting but it is his stablemate Gstaad who looks better placed to get one on the board early for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. Sent off 7/1 against odds-on stablemate True Love at Navan 31 days ago, this Starspangledbanner colt ran with real maturity to pick up the favourite in the final furlong to win by a extending three quarters of a length. He hinted at plenty more to come that day and the form looks just about the best on offer here as True Love is headed towards the Queen Mary this week and finished ahead of Power Blue on her debut. 

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15:40, King Charles III Stakes

Asfoora 9/2, 2pts win

I put up the Australian mare at 7/1 last week in an ante-post piece and she has since usurped Believing as favourite. I still believe Henry Dwyer's 6 year old has a great chance of becoming the first Australian horse to win at back to back Royal meetings. Admittedly, her preparation hasn't gone smoothly but she has been the subject of glowing reports since landing in Newmarket and has been training well in the build-up. She's been given the perfect draw in stall 10 so Murphy can play her however he wants and I'm expecting a big run. It's an open race with Believing and Regional sure to run their races although both were seemingly put in their place by Asfoora last year. Perhaps the biggest danger will come from Ed Walker's hugely progressive 5 year old mare Mgheera who quickened up nicely to win the Temple Stakes 24 days ago. She's also got a nice draw in stall 8. American Affair could run well at a decent price as he is drawn near the likely early pace. 

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16:20, St James' Palace Stakes

Field Of Gold 4/5, 5pts win

The race of the week once again is the St James' Palace Stakes. This year's running brings together the winners of the English, Irish and French Guineas in the formidable shapes of Ruling Court, Field Of Gold and Henri Matisse. These are 3 hugely talented colts who are all worthy classic winners in their own rights. Henri Matisse has been done no favours by being drawn in stall 1 and will need a gap to open up somewhere but the bigger issue may be that the French Guineas he won didn't look the greatest renewal and on bare form has something to find with the other 2 market leaders. Ruling Court downed Field Of Gold at Newmarket but the general consensus is that he benefited from a sleeping jockey on the runner-up and despite the race not going to plan, the great grey horse only just failed to real in the winner on the line. Ruling Court was pulled out from the Derby 10 days ago at the 11th hour and that can't be helpful with an eye towards this and so everything is suggesting that this will be another day in the sun for Field Of Gold. Juddmonte's star bids to emulate his sire, the great Kingman, in finishing 2nd at Newmarket only to bounce back to win the Irish Guineas and St James' Palace. He should have beaten Ruling Court at Newmarket but it is not expected that history will repeat itself. Irish jockey Colin Keene comes in for the ride again (rode Field Of Gold to victory at the Curragh) now in his new role as retained jockey for Juddmonte and he will be delighted to see he's been drawn in stall 5 to negate any chance of traffic difficulties. John & Thady Gosden's stable flagbearer has suggested he is the best 3 year old in Europe and here he has the fundamental chance to prove it once and for all. 

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17:00, Ascot Stakes

Manxman 9/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
Saturn 28/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Willie Mullins is the king of the long distance handicaps at Royal Ascot and his runner here is owned by another King in the shape of Charles III. With this in mind, the Ascot Stakes must have been the plan ever since the Irish trainer was sent this enigmatic 4 year old. He looks well weighted, has been drawn well in stall 1 and has the services of Ryan Moore. He has been found in the market however, so perhaps the value lies elsewhere. Triumph Hurdle 3rd and Chester Cup winner East India Dock must have a decent chance but the suspicion is that Chester was the aim and anything else is now a bonus that the handicapper has caught up. Surprise Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros has sneaked in at the bottom of the weights and looks well handicapped on jumps form but whether he will stay this far on the flat has to be a real concern. He's likely to be ridden for luck. At the likely odds, Simon and Ed Crisfords upwardly mobile 5 year old Manxman makes plenty of appeal. He's come a long way since opening his account in an amateur riders handicap at Windsor in July 2023 off a mark of 46. He's now running off 96 but it is entirely warranted given that he is now a 7 time winner and hasn't been out of the first 3 since sent handicapping. Of course, there is always the worry that the handicapper has now caught up but he put up a huge display to finish 2nd in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October over nearly this trip and he really wasn't stopping at the line. He's continued in great form this year and comes into this off the back of a victory over 2 miles at Goodwood where he gunned down Mr Hampstead on the line. Not many horses will get this marathon trip but the data is suggesting that Manxman will get it better than most and from a handy draw in stall 4, he's expected to go close. At much bigger odds, Jessie Harrington's 5 year old son of Galileo, Saturn could run well. He's also been drawn well in stall 3 and this son of champion filly Alpha Centari has long hinted that he has potential as a stayer. He comes into this off a poor showing at Cork last time out but that was over 12 furlongs and he's now running over a mile further. That race didn't go to plan as it turned into a bit of a dash and he's 2 from 2 in races over 14 furlongs, both times not stopping at the line. 

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17:35, Wolferton Stakes

Enfjaar 5/1, 2pts each-way (4 places)
Meydaan 12/1, 0.75ps each-way (4 places)

The Wolferton Stakes is just about the hottest Listed race run anywhere in Europe. It is an open renewal again this year with plenty bringing quality form to the table. 2024 Jersey Stakes winner Haatem bids to bounce back to form on his first start over 10 furlongs and would be a danger to all if building on his 2 starts so far this term as would Joseph O'Brien's Sons And Lovers who ran well behind Los Angeles last time, stall 1 perhaps hasn't done Ryan Moore much favours though given he likes to be held up. King's Gambit was an unlucky loser of the Golden Gates Handicap here last year but thing's haven't gone to plan since and now looks on a bit of a retrieval mission albeit, he is more than capable of going close if on a going day. Liberty Lane brings in decent form but the suspicion is that the ground will be faster than he likes. He just edged out Meydaan at Goodwood last time out but Simon and Ed Crisford's 4 year old has a 3 pound pull at the weights with the winner and looks more likely to be there at the finish. This well bred son of Frankel won a decent renewal of the Cocked Hat Stakes last year before finishing 4th in the Queen's Vase at this meeting. He was tried over trips too far but has seemed to have found his niche now back running over the 10 furlong trip. He's shaped as though he's coming to the boil at the right time and looks set to go close. But preference overall is for Shadwell's likeable 5 year old Enfjaar. Roger Varian has won 2 of the last 5 renewals of this including last year with another Shadwell horse, Israr. Jim Crowley has been drawn in stall 2 so should be able to save ground throughout and although he finished behind re-opposing Military Order in the Brigadier Gerrard at Sandown last time out, he shaped with more promise than the Godolphin horse and looked in dire need of the run. It seems that this has been the big early season aim for last year's John Smiths' Cup hero and he seems more consistent these days. His form when finishing 2nd on his last start of 2024 in the Doonside Cup at Ayr over this trip and likely ground has been given boosts as the winner, Persica, has since won the Diomed Stakes at Epsom earlier this month and the 3rd placed horse, Eydon, claimed the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes at Newbury last month. 

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18:10, Copper Horse Stakes

Caballo De Mar 11/2, 2pts each-way (5 places)

This doesn't look the strongest renewal of the 14 furlong handicap that closes off day 1 of the Royal meeting. French Master has the sexy profile being by Frankel, trained by the Gosdens and owned by Wathnan but he hasn't looked to have many gears for all he's hugely unexposed and doesn't make huge appeal at the likely odds. Neither does Willie Mullins' Charlus who was last seen finishing well down the field in the Triumph Hurdle. He could be chucked in on French form but he has to prove that he handles quick conditions and stays this trip on the flat. Preference therefore, is for George Scott's winning machine Caballo De Mar. Callum Shepherd's mount has been given a fair draw in stall 9 so can be played however he wants but history suggests he will be positively ridden especially as he is a winner over further. His runner-up effort in the Chester Cup is some of the best form on offer and it's not off-putting that he has won plenty on the all-weather as synthetic form lends itself well to Ascot's turf track. The 5 year old son of Phoenix Of Spain arrives fresh from a victory over 2 miles at Haydock in a race in which he was the winner for every single yard of the home straight and he's taken to notch another win to add to an already fruitful campaign. 

Review: Epsom Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June

 I was at Epsom for the big 2 day meeting last week and it was just about as strange a meeting as I can remember and I still couldn't tell you exactly what the ground was. The opener, Surrey Stakes, on the Friday was won by the well backed Formal (9/4) who bounced back from a disappointing display in the Fred Darling. She needs to go on from this now. I backed Saqqara Sands who finished 2nd at 13/2 so did manage a little bit of place returns, she's a filly who will improve from this and win races. The Woodcote was won well by Maximised (6/5) for Godolphin and he looked an up to scratch winner. I sided with Havana Hurricane against the favourite and he ran well to finish 2nd even though he didn't look an easy ride, he'll win more races. The Coronation Cup was one of the races of the season. I left this alone from a punting view as I felt Calandagan couldn't be trusted in a battle and the Coolmore gang were sure to make this a test with their St Leger winner in the field, Jan Brueghel. Ryan Moore's mount (7/2) was not for denying up the run-in and after being narrowly headed for a stride, he powered back to the lead and beat the odds-on favourite gamely. It will be interesting to see how he is campaigned from here on in the winner as the King George is the aim for stablemate Los Angeles and I can't see him dropping back in trip. The Arc will surely be the long-term aim given he shouldn't be inconvenienced by any sort of ground. Maybe they will target something like the Grand Prix du Saint Cloud or one of the Group ones in Germany. Although, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned up in the Goodwood Cup should Illinois fail to shine in the Gold Cup at Ascot. As for Calandagan, I think he may be better suited by dropping back in trip, surely he'll have another crack at the Juddmonte International in August. 

Jan Breughel 

The highlight of my weekend came in the 10 furlong handicap at 3.15 as I thought Ecureuil Secret looked fantastic in the parade ring for a horse having his first run of the season and was definitely worth a punt at his odds. He had been running well in graded races last season and still looked feasibly handicapped. He duly bolted at 28/1 and put me well ahead on the day. He'll run in the Wolferton Stakes at Ascot on Tuesday and that isn't tilting at windmills. The Oaks was up next and I was very much against the favourite, Desert Flower, at the prices. She had to confirm she stayed and I didn't think she was worth a bet at odds-on given she was up against some impressive trial winners. I decided to back Cheshire Oaks winner, Minnie Hauk (9/2), and Lingfield Oaks Trial winner, Giselle (13/2) against her. I was pretty happy watching the race as Desert Flower didn't handle the track very well and Minnie Hauk's stamina really came to the fore late on as she battled past front-running Whirl to get the job done by a neck. She looked well in the prelims but I still felt there was improvement in her. She'll likely go to the Irish Oaks next and probably the Yorkshire Oaks after that. If she were to take both of those races then connections must surely be tempted to take on the colts at Longchamp, however mob handed they seem to be at this distance. Whirl ran a huge race considering she forced the pace and I feel she'll be very hard to beat in the Pretty Polly, whilst Giselle looked well beforehand and is still learning. She may well go to the Curragh too and she will keep on improving. As for Desert Flower, I think she was beaten by the track more than the distance. If she were mine, I'd be heading to the Eclipse to take advantage of the weight allowance. 10 furlongs may be her optimum trip but it wouldn't surprise me if she was pointed towards the Falmouth. 

Minnie Hauk

Mirsky (9/4) ran out a ready winner of the mile handicap that came after the Oaks. I backed the runner-up Alpha Crucis who just bumped into one I'm afraid. He still looks on a fair mark and should be kept onside whenever there is juice in the ground. I did manage to find the final winner of the day in the shape of Partisan Hero (7/2) in the 7 furlong handicap. It had been a day to be on the front end and Silvestre de Sousa had his mount on the sharp end throughout. He fended off the late challenge of Golden Mind who ran a cracker at big odds again for the Richard Fahy stable. This didn't look a great race so I'm not sure how many winners will come out of it. 

Saturday was grim to say the least. I quite fancied Royal Dress to make amends for last year's defeat in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes but she never got that involved behind the ready winner Spiritual (9/1) who made all under Rab Havlin for the Gosdens. She has hinted at a performance like this in the past but consistency has been her flaw and she needs to go on from this. Being on the front end again paid the way and it would do so again that afternoon. I decided to take on the front end of the market in the Diomed but that proved a mistake as the well backed Persica ran out a ready winner for Richard Hannon and Ryan Moore. He's better with a bit of juice in the ground and will continue to pay his way. Docklands hated the track and is better than he showed here. I really don't like the Dash's at Epsom and not sure why there has to be 2 of them. I stayed away from the 3 year old Dash and was glad I did as I couldn't have picked out the winner in a month of Sundays. Stormy Impact (7/1) came from nowhere to win this up the middle of the track to continue a good meeting for Richard Fahy. I'm not sure how good a race this was to be honest. In the actual Dash I backed Existent each-way and he ran his usual race to finish 3rd. J M Jungle (6/1)landed a deserved victory here after plenty of placed efforts this season. This win will push his mark up to about 100 so things will get tougher from here on in. 

Lambourn

And then we had the Derby. An 18 runner renewal which was great for bookies but it must be said that 2000 Guinea winner Ruling Court being pulled out left a bad taste in the mouth. The ground didn't look bad enough not to run but from the moment Desert Flower was beaten in the Oaks there were negative sounds coming from the stable. The race therefore, had it's best horse on form taken out of it and we were left with a bit of a muddle. I decided to back Pride Of Arras for Beckett, and he looked a picture in the prelims but never handled the bend and didn't run his race. He was virtually pulled up but will reportedly head for the Irish Derby next where I could see him running his race. The race was won by Chester Vase hero Lambourn (13/2) who led from the start. The whole weekend had shown that there was a bias towards being ridden positively but every jockey other than Cristophe Soumillon on Lazy Gruff were not alert to it and in the end nothing ever really threatened the winner. Lambourn was freely available at 20/1 in the week but his price collapsed on the day and more so after Ruling Court was taken out. Take nothing away from the winner, who is clearly a talented colt, but this did not look a strong renewal and the winner will not be given a freebie on the front end again. He will be short odds in the Irish Derby and St Leger which look likely to be his next 2 runs. I'd imagine if they went well that he could be aimed at the Arc as he looks adaptable but it's more of a case of if he's good enough really. Time will tell. Tennessee Stud ran a mighty race from a long way back to finish 3rd and it's not inconceivable that he could get much closer at the Curragh. Expect him to line up in the Leger in September. Ralph Beckett's 2nd string, Stanhope Gardens was one of the best lookers in the parade ring and he too ran a big race to finish 5th from an unpromising position. He just tired the last 100 yards and it may be that 10 furlongs is his ideal trip. I'd be working back from the Champion Stakes with him. Delacroix was another who didn't run his race after being buffeted around going up the hill and shuffled back. Ryan Moore seemed to accept things a long way off and I could see him being aimed towards the Eclipse with Camille Pissaro. The Lion In Winter looked awful beforehand and ran terribly. He has it all to prove now and I'm not sure we will see too much more from him. 

The rain started to hammer down not long after the Derby presentation and it turned into a miserable day thereafter. I didn't manage to find any of the winners of the subsequent 3 races and actually started the trek back down to the train station before the last race. There was undoubtably a small crowd for the meeting and the hill looked sadly depressing. The weather didn't help but something does need to be done about the 2 days all together. The first thing is pricing as they keep putting the price up every year and eventually it gets to a point where people start voting with their feet. I feel the time has come to move the Oaks to the Sunday, like the 1000 Guineas, and offer a weekend ticket at a reduced rate to help improve attendance. The Derby is a great race but it is struggling to pin up the whole Saturday afternoon now. There doesn't need to be 8 races on the day and having 45 mins between races is just silly, it makes the day go on too long and people lose interest. There doesn't need to be a 3YO dash as the Dash itself is a marmite race and the top jockeys wont ride in it before the Derby. The Coronation Cup should be moved onto the Saturday to help with the build up to the Derby and give jockeys a chance to ride the full Derby course beforehand. Epsom really do need to ditch some of the dross handicaps as well. I know it is near Royal Ascot but the 3 handicaps run after the Derby were poor and nobody had any interest in them. I'd also be in favour of moving the Princess Elizabeth to the April meeting to help that day a little bit more, or the Sunday at least.. This and the Diomed aren't ever that competitive and are never really betting races. If I had my way I'd make the Saturday a 7 race card in this order: Woodcote Stakes, mile handicap, Coronation Cup, Diomed Stakes, Derby, Dash, 12 furlong handicap. This would really balance out the day more and leaves only 2 races after the Derby and running the Diomed before the Derby gives chance to breathe and being the race named after the very first winner is poignant. The race is dying and something radical needs to happen as if not we will see numbers continue to dwindle. 

Sandown - Friday 13th June

 I will not be at Sandown on Friday but it is a cracking card and I think it's worth getting involved in. 

13:30, Chris Barnett Memorial Handicap

Good Earth 6/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Michael Herrington's admirable 8 year old loves it at Sandown and is twice a previous winner here. He's now back down to a winnable mark and is drawn well in stall 2. He breaks well and has been running well without being shown to best effect the last couple of runs. He's back to his favourite track and the stable looks like it has just hit a bit of form too. Jockey gets on well with him. 

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15:50, Tom Jones At Sandown Park 30th July Handicap

Criminal 7/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

I was at Kempton to see Richard Hughes' 3 year old make his debut in April. I thought he looked like a horse to follow that day as he completely blew the turn but stayed on well once straightened out late on. That was a fair race to debut in as the winner has been tried at Listed level since and the runner-up has now won a race. Criminal was stepped up to about this distance on his second start to finish 3rd in a maiden at Chester. That was another fair effort in what looked a good race. He was dropped back to a mile last time out when he finished 4th at Wolverhampton to gain a handicap mark. The winner that day has won again since and looks like a very classy individual. He's now pitched into a handicap and back up to a trip which should suit on breeding, being by stamina influencing sire Sea The Moon. The trainer has put William Buick up in the saddle which speaks volumes, especially now the stable looks to have come into some good form. I'd be hopeful of a big run. 

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17:00, Texas At Sandown Park 7th August Handicap

Personal Best 16/1, 0.75pts each-way (3 places)

I'm happy to take a bit of a poke about Personal Best at big odds in the long distance handicap. The stable is going well at the moment and this 3 year old filly has looked as though a step up in trip should bring about some improvement. She's been running in decent handicaps on the all-weather of late and she's well handicapped on the second of those runs. She's unexposed and I think she's overpriced. 

Ante-Post: King Charles III Stakes, Royal Ascot (17/06/2025)

Ascot, Tuesday 17th June

15:40, King Charles III Stakes

Asfoora 7/1, 2pts each-way (3 places) 

This year's first ante-post selection for Royal Ascot arrives in the shape of the Australian mare, Asfoora. Last year she belied an unfavourable draw to run out a ready winner from likely re-opposing European runners Believing and Regional. She held her form well after that throughout the European summer and bounced back in her first run of 2025 to win a 5 furlong race at Morphettville on 12th April in decent style. She was disappointing on her final start in the Robert Sangster Stakes but she travelled well and just tired late on. That was over 6 furlongs though and she raced wide throughout. She proved last year that straight tracks suit her well and she has reportedly travelled over much better than connections thought. She won't have time to have a prep race this year, which has to be a negative, but all of the noise coming from connections has been positive ever since she landed in the UK at the start of June. Oisin Murphy will be back in the saddle and has already been riding her in her work at Newmarket and reportedly been very complimentary about her. There's nothing in the 5 furlong sphere over here to worry about and I'd imagine if she turns up in the same form as 12 months ago, that she will become the first Australian horse to ever win back-to-back races at Royal Ascot. 7/1 now is a steel and I can't see her going off anything near that price on the day. Take it now. 

Salisbury - Tuesday 10th June

 I won't be at Salisbury tomorrow but it looks like an informative afternoon with some decent novice races. I like the chances of a mare in one of the handicaps. 

16:30, Sorvio Insurance Brokers Margadale Fillies' Handicap

Azahara Palace 10/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Hughie Morrison's mare is running off a mark of 77 which is still 3 pounds higher than her last victory but it's worth noting she is now 4 pounds below the mark she raced off at Royal Ascot last year and only a pound higher than when finishing 2nd of 14 at Doncaster in October. She was an unlucky loser from this mark at Haydock on seasonal debut when getting no luck in running and finishing like a train when in the clear. She can be forgiven her poor effort at Newbury last time out as that was a much stronger race than this and it didn't pay to be placed so far back. She's now back into calmer waters and being drawn in stall 10, there's little chance she should find herself boxed in again. What is noticeable is that top jockey Tom Marquand rides very rarely for the stable but his last ride for Hughie Morrison was a winner. He rides Azahara Palace for the first time here. 

Epsom - Saturday 7th June 2025

 I was at Epsom today for the Ladies Day and the ground didn't seem to bad and after shunning the far rail at the start of the afternoon, the jockeys were more inclined to race against it by the latter races indicating that the track may have dried out a little. A lot of Saturday's action will depend on how much rain falls between now and racing, with plenty forecast that could turn the tide in favour of those with more reserves of stamina. I'll be back in Surrey tomorrow for the Derby and it's a cracking day in store. 

13:00, Princess Elizabeth Stakes

Royal Dress 9/2, 2pts each-way (4 places with bet365)

Skellet draws the eye here for powerful connections after contesting very classy races last year (albeit struggling) before getting her head in front against her elders at Sandown in September. She hasn't run since then however, and hasn't always been the most straight on seasonal debut so preference is for last year's 3rd placed mare Royal Dress. James Tate's runner was desperately unlucky 12 months ago as she had no room for most of the home straight before finishing with plenty of running left. She made amends to win at the Curragh later in the year and that's form that reads well in the context of this race. She made a pleasing comeback over a trip too far at York last month and she will have come on for that I'm sure. She has everything in her favour here though and hopefully can go 2 places better than last year. 

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13:35, Betfred Diomed Stakes

Royal Playwright 8/1, 1pt win

To my mind there is not much between Persica and Docklands. Persica looked like a horse to follow last year when impressing in a handicap victory at the track 12 months ago and again at Sandown after that. He built on last year's form to run out an impressive winner of the Earl of Sefton back in April but finished last of 8 runners in the Lockinge last time out, albeit that was a red hot Group 1. He has course form but I'm not sure a step back to a mile at this track will be exactly what he wants. We know he will handle the track which is far from a certainty for the likeable Docklands, who runs particularly well at Ascot's straight track. Harry Eustaces horse does bring the best form into the race but this track hasn't lend itself to hold up horses and I fancy taking them both on at the prices with Andrew Balding's 3 year old Royal Playwright. I saw this colt finish 3rd in a strong renewal of the Solario at Sandown last year. He backed that up with a good effort in a soft ground Royal Lodge stakes in September. He's bred to improve with age and has had excuses for his 2 defeats this spring. If he can build on that then he looks value against the top end of the market. 

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14:10, Betfred 3yo 'Dash' Handicap

Ruby's Profit 3/1, 2pts win

This looks a perfect bit of placing by connections for speedy filly Ruby's Profit. The daughter of Profitable won well at Goodwood last time out which augers well for this downhill dash and she has been drawn up against the stands rail which is the place to be in the sprint races at Epsom. She's been well found in the market but this isn't a strong renewal and should take plenty of catching. 

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14:45, Aston Martin 'Dash' Handicap

Existent 11/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This year's renewal of the famous 'Dash' is about as hard a race to find the winner of as you will see all year. It's a proper minefield but I'll take a chance on the likeable 7 year old Existent. It's worth noting that he hasn't actually won a race since February 2022 which is a long time ago but he's in as good a form as he's been since then having finished 2nd on each of his last 4 runs. He's shown he goes well at this track and has been drawn well in stall 14. He's racing with a feather weight and is in good fettle as shown when just run out of it at Goodwood 19 days ago after hitting the front too soon. He's a hostage to fortune but nothing is likely to be finishing better and with 5 places on offer he looks a nice each-way play here. 

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15:30, Betfred Derby

Pride Of Arras 9/2, 3pts win

This will be the 13th Derby that I have been at Epsom to see since my first pilgrimage in 2011 to see Pour Moi win for France. Since that day I have only missed Wings Of Eagles (2017 - on holiday in Japan) and Serpentine (2020 - Covid year). I have seen all sorts of winners in that time and a few truly exceptional horses, probably none so more than the imperious Golden Horn bolting up in 2015. I would go on to see him win the Arc that Autumn. I've learnt that a horse needs something a little bit extra to win the Blue Ribband an cement himself in equine folklore. I can't quite put my finger on it, but normal horses don't win a Derby - they need that special bit of class and temperament. 2025's rock-solid runner is the 11/4 favourite Delacroix for the imperious combination of Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien. This colt should stay this trip, and has shown that a bit of dig in the ground is of little worry and he has won his 2 trials very easily. However, it's worth noting that a winner of those trials hasn't gone on to Epsom glory since the legendary Galileo and he spent all winter long behind his stablemate in the betting for this. Delacroix is clearly a very talented horse but I just question if he has the X factor needed for this. The Lion In Winter has already been mentioned here and he spent the cold months sitting pretty at the head of the market for this until his injury issues resurfaced and he was rerouted to the Dante in May, a race in which he finished an underwhelming 6th. He ran well that day and it's worth noting that both previous winners of the Derby were disappointing in their previous races but one suspects if the Sea The Stars colt had been showing enough at home since then that Ryan Moore would be in the saddle. 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court undoubtedly brings the best form into this race as he won what looked like a strong renewal of the first Classic of the season and is by the same sire as last year's Derby hero City Of Troy. There has to be some question marks regarding his stamina however, as he has shown real speed over a mile in 2 runs this year and didn't exactly power through the line at Newmarket. He's been drawn well in stall 7 and has bundles of ability but the recent rain will have done his cause no favour. The 2000 Guineas has been a starting point for many Derby winners in recent years but so too has the premier Derby trial that is York's Dante Stakes, named after Yorkshire's last winner of the race back in 1945. 5 brilliant colts have landed the Dante-Derby double so far this century: North Light (2004), Motivator (2005), Authorized (2007), Golden Horn (2015) and Desert Crown (2023) whilst 2010 winner Workforce finished 2nd in that year's Dante before claiming Epsom glory (smashed the track record that day, which still stands). Last year's winner, Economics, didn't run for the Blue Ribband but this year's victor does and that is Pride Of Arras for recent Arc winning trainer-jockey combination of Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan. This son of New Bay claimed the Dante on only his second start, which is some feat in itself. He looked in trouble half way up the run-in when behind a wall of horses but he showed real quality to quicken clear when he found daylight and ran out a ready winner. I can stress enough how impressive that was to win the nation's premier Derby trial on not only just his second start but on his first run of the season as well. I'd expect him to make natural progress since then and he's been the subject of glowing reports since. Pride Of Arras is by French Derby winner and Arc-placed New Bay, a sire who's progeny often show a handling for soft conditions and on his dam-side, Pride Of  Arras is related to horses who stayed very well - including a few hurdle winners. This colt has been given a tricky draw in stall 16 but given this is a big field of 19, I'd rather be drawn wider than in very low stalls and face the possibility of being boxed in. There are more experienced horses in this race for sure, but none are as unexposed and Pride Of Arras may just have that something special. 

Review: Stratford Saturday 31st May

I was at Stratford on Avon racecourse for a thoroughly enjoyable evening meeting on Saturday night. It was a pleasant evening weather wise and I'm sure the course were chuffed with the size of the crowd that turned up. It was terrific to see some proper difference of opinion in the betting ring and there was a nice spread of winning SPs across the night. 

The first race was run at 5.30 and was a novice hurdle won by Anthony Honeyball's Public Enemy (9/2). The 4 year old looked well in the prelims and won by 2 lengths in the end from fast finishing outsider Duel Au Soleil who was definitely the horse to take out of the race. I had backed the original favourite in this, Old Bridge, for David Pipe however, he drifted from 13/8 out to 11/4 and folded tamely after going off too fast. He's on a real retrieval mission now. I left the next race alone as I fancied Mary at 7/2 but her price contracted sharply on course and I felt the price had gone. I was glad I did let this one go as Mary belted the first and that probably cost her any chance she had. She finished 3rd and ran well all things considered but really does need to cut out the errors if they are to persist with chasing. The winner was the well supported 11/8 favourite Iskar D'airy for Gary Moore who won well. He could go in again. In the 3rd race I backed last year's runner-up Northern Rose, who looked gun fit in the prelims. She was just beginning to be asked to improve when she came down at 4 out unfortunately and I'm sure connections will be frustrated that she did this at her favourite track. The short priced favourite Auntie Maggie (10/11) made all in this to win snuggly. It didn't look the strongest race and I'm not sure much will come out of it. My main bet of the night was on Lemos De Souza's Fillyfudge in the Mare's Novices Handicap Hurdle at 7pm. This 6 year old mare hadn't actually won a race over hurdles but was a 3 time winner on the flat over 10 furlongs and was sent off 6/4 in that sphere earlier this month. On her last hurdles start (at Stratford) she finished 2nd to a subsequent winner and was clear of the 3rd. She was available at 4/1 here (which I took) before being backed down to 10/3. She kicked clear rounding the home turn and ran out a ready 12 length winner. She'll be punished for this by the handicapper but she's off the board over jumps now and could progress. I was tempted to back Emma Lavelle's Bethpage in the long distance handicap hurdle but after seeing his price drift from 13/8 to 3/1 I decided to let the race go. I was happy I did rounding the home turn when Up For Parole (needs softer) kicked a couple of lengths clear from a pushed along Bethpage but Harry Cobden got a real tune out of his mount after the last and Bethpage ran out a comfy winner on the line. I can see there being more to come. In the 3 and a half mile handicap chase I thought that 7/2 about recent Norfolk National winner Stans The Man was too big and he duly galloped his rivals into the ground here. He's in decent nick at the moment which is more than can be said for his rivals. He won by 12 lengths in the end and I wouldn't be surprised if there was another race in him this summer over the marathon trip. I quite fancied Nickelforce in the penultimate race (handicap chase) but 5/4 was too short for me. Ben Case's 6 year old didn't jump well throughout the race and probably ran well to only be beaten by 3 1/2 lengths into third. The winner, Village Master (6/4) was taken wide through much of the race and never really looked like the winner until jumping the last and he got the better of the likeable Romanor up the run in. James Bowen had his work cut out here but there seems plenty to work with for the winner and it will be interesting to see if Warren Greatrex goes up in trip again. I liked the chances of Hillsin (13/2) in the final race of the night, a handicap hurdle, but Brian Hughes' mount was always in rear and unseated 3 out when not looking a threat. He's now looking frustrating. The winner was the James Owen trained Laravie (stable in form) who held off the challenge of the 18/5 favourite Supreme Yeats. The winner (6/1) won well and could go in again given similar conditions. The runner up came from a long way back but may not have too much improvement as he looked fit beforehand and must have been trained for this race bearing in mind he won it last year. It wasn't to be for the Skelton's this night as they had plenty of horses and the one in the last was the only runner to go well. I'd avoid the stable at the moment as it looks as though they are trying to get the weights down on a lot of the string. In the end, thanks to a couple of winners, I managed to claw back my losses from losing bets at York and Haydock in the afternoon and actually manage a minuscule profit for the day.  Maybe I should stick to the jumps still!