Royal Ascot Day 2 – Not too Shabby for a Journeyman!

With the good weather and a handful of winners at Day 1 of the Royal meeting, things are not looking too bad at all. I honestly thought today would not go as well as it did, but thats racing.

If you’ll allow me, I’m going to forgo the usual preamble tonight as we shore 276 sheep today on the farm in sweltering heat, and I am a little worse for wear as a result.

Let’s get down to business.

14:30 Jersey Stakes (Gr.3) – The obvious two head the market. It’s a case of who you want to side with. I’m going for Gale Force Ten. Why? Simply because his two most recent runs impress me more than Garswoods Guineas performance. I also think that the drop back to 7f will suit Gale Force Ten more. Even if you were to compare the highlights of both of their Two year old careers, I’d prefer Gale Force Ten. But, I’ve been wrong before! An each way alternative that stands out, with a nice high draw, is The Brothers War.

15:05 Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Fillies’ Gr.2) – I had the misfortune of being in Leopardstown the day Duntle had her win reversed via stewards enquiry having backed her. If you were there that day, I was the fella ‘effing and blinding in the betting ring after it was announced. She owes me one, and that is partly the reason why she is my selection. She also has course and distance form having won the Sandringham last year at this meeting. Here’s hoping she can right those wrongs of the stewards in Leopardstown tomorrow!

15:45 Prince of Wales’ Stakes (Gr.1) – Probably one of the bigger talking points of the day. Will Camelot bounce back? Probably not in my opinion, even though I really hope he does. However, I reckon Al Kazeem has the measure of what is the shining light of a fairly mediocre crop of 4year old colts, in Camelot. The Fugue makes an interesting altenative with her weight allowance, but the son of Dubawi should leave her in the ha’ penny place.

16:25 Royal Hunt Cup (H’cap) – I think I can join the majority of punters here when I confess to almighty God and to you, my Brothers and Sisters, that I have not got a breeze. Let’s go for the Hail Mary and try and land the big price. The two that I like for small each way punts, that have nice draws and coming into the race with a bit of form are Directorship and Elusive Time.

17:00 Queen Mary Stakes (Fillies’ Gr.2) – Oriel really sticks out here. Obviously beaten by Rizeena at Ascot last month over the same trip, but I consider her to be better than that form suggests. Ground may be too fast for her, but Bye Bye Birdie is my each way alternative.

17:35 Sandringham Handicap (H’cap) – Another hit and hope type of race. A wide open affair – 6/1 the field. Again, after my intense number crunching process (or closing my eyes and seeing what my finger lands closest to) I’ve come up with Nargys and Waterway Run for small each way tipples. If you are looking for a money making opportunity, this is not it.

If you thought today was tough to make money, it doesn’t bode well for tomorrow either I’m afraid. But we live in hope! Maybe our luck will continue for Day 2! The best of luck with your selections.

Slán tamaillín,

T