Royal Ascot Day 1 – Feeling Regal?

The Summer is passing by at a fairly strong pace and as the end of June draws ever nearer, it brings with it the pomp and circumstance that is Royal Ascot. However painful for us it might be to bear the “Fabulously British” flavour to the week on this side of the Irish Sea, the action on the track most definitely sweetens the deal.

There is more drink spilled at Cheltenham than there is drank at Royal Ascot, however, the “Equine Olympic” tagline often applied to the former can most definitely be associated with the latter, in the guise of a flat code equivalent. It’s set to be a fantastic week’s racing.

Tomorrow herald’s Day one of the Royal meeting and with the first three races being a hat-trick of group 1’s, the action will be fierce from the get go. I admit that I am a long way off being a flat racing aficionado, but for what it’s worth, the following are just a few things I’d like to point out for tomorrow.

14:30 Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1) – The market leading colt is the American raider Animal Kingdom who is generally found around the 8/11 mark at the minute. The winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby and this years Dubai world cup is strongly supported based on that form and the money has been kept rolling in for him thanks to the racing media romanticising the arrival of this well travelled son of Leroidesanimaux. I like to consider myself a realist, and have not allowed myself to be swept away with the forced fairytale that some people are trying to conjure out of this fella’s chances. Fair play to connections for bringing him, and to borrow the well worn cliché, it would be great for racing if he could do the job. However, the two main elements of punting are the judgment of form and performance on one hand and the ability to seek out value on the other. Animal Kingdom is not a value bet in my opinion. Having finished exams I have moved back to Kilkenny, and those whispers on the wind don’t have very far to travel across county lines from Ballydoyle and into my ear. Surely a line can be drawn through Declaration of War’s run in the Lockinge as it had to be too bad to be true. Rumour has it the team at Ballydoyle had him extensively examined by vets to ensure a medical issue had not incurred the bad run, thats how surprised they were. I’d much rather have a tenner on him than a hundred on the yank horse. Each way chance lies with Sovreign Debt. Interesting to note Paddy Power have gone money back on all losing single bets if Animal Kingdom wins…..interesting.

15:05 King’s Stand Stakes (Gr.1) – This valuable 5f dash is not one to get stuck into methinks. Not only because there are several with chances, but also because getting beaten by a short head in a flash finish is a lot more difficult to stomach than being beaten by a length or a two. James Ryan tipped up Shea Shea here on Turf Talk back in March when he won the sprint at the festival at Meydan. He is 2/1 market leader for this. I’m going off on a valiant search for value here and a small each way bet on Medicean Man here is what has tickled my fancy. I’ve also got a bit of a soft spot for Sole Power but the fact that Gask’s charge has course form makes me side with him. Hopefully he can make me a few bob.

15:45 St. James’ Palace Stakes (Gr.1) – I’ve listened to so much analysis from pub talkers about Dawn Approach’s derby performance that I think I need to see psychiatrist. I will not be having a bet in this race, as I think I might have a mental breakdown if I watch it. I think Bolger’s should win. The Hannon’s and Richard Hughes are still bullish about Toronado even after a lacklustre guineas showing. If Dawn Approach is fit and well he should see off the others handy enough at what is now his preferred 1 mile trip, but Magician could give him a run for his money…..all of this is why I am going to sit back and watch it happen without any financial involvement!!

16:25 Coventry Stakes (Gr.2) – This 6 furlong challenge for the babies is dominated by three entries each from Balydoyle and the Hannon’s. Im siding with Championship here having been really impressed by his winning racecourse debut. Thunderstrike also sticks out at a biggish price for an each way nibble but I’m going for the son of Exceed and Excel on the nose.

17:00 Ascot Stakes (H’Cap) –  I’ve always been told to steer clear of the Ascot handicaps as there have a habit of being quite toxic for punters. This field is an eclectic mix of National Hunt and Flat horses with the likes of 2012 Grand National and 2013 Pretemps final runner Junior taking part. I’m baking two; Midnight Oil who’s set to be ridden by Hughes in the Gigginstown colours, and Well Sharp ridden by Berry in the McManus colours. Slightly favouring the latter, in my opinion.

17:35 Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) – Sweet Jesus….a 5 furlong juvenile sprint with 27 runners. It will be worse than Newlands cross on a Friday night when they kick for the line. Traffic jams galore. This is probably going to be more about luck in running than actual ability. If I do have a bet it will be small and each way. Gosden’s Ben Hall stands out with a good high draw and a nice price for an each way bet. He may be a bit overwhelmed by the big field, but so will a lot of them. To be honest with you the more I look at it the more I think I’ll stay away from it. The market leader obviously has course form and deserves respect but absolutely nothing is certain in this one tomorrow. Stick a pin in it.

So that’s it for Day 1. I reckon it will be tough enough to make a few bob tomorrow so box clever and pay attention to any deals the bookies are offering. The very best of luck with your selections.

Slán tamaillín,

T