Royal Ascot Day 4 – A Day for Warren Place

Riposte, Roca Tumu and Van der Neer in the each way money turns what was going to be a nice few days racing, into a whopper week. I was particularly pleased with the big priced Roca Tumu getting the job done. The handicap he won at the Curragh will produce more winners yet and is well worth a look for any of you with a bit of foresight.

Obviously a very poignant day for the Cecil family and Warren Place team with Riposte winning the Fillies’ race impressively under Tom Queally. Himself was most definitely looking down with a smile.

Tomorrow is another day, so let’s run through the card to see if we can pick something to have a tilt at. Our weekend of indulgence is in the bag at this stage! Small bets only from here on in for me to try and nab a few bonuses to throw into the wheelbarrow with the rest of it!

14:30 Albany Stakes (Fillies’ Gr.3) – The market is headed up by Sandiva from the Fahey yard who has two impressive wins to her name this term. Most recently a decent Listed race at Naas. I’m going to oppose her here, however, and side with Lady Cecil’s Joyeuse. I am not picking her on the basis that she is Frankel’s half sister, although that pedigree would help. She is my selection mostly on merit. I, along with a lot of other people, was very taken by her maiden win at Lingfield last time. It was not a hot race by any stretch, but she did it well and looks to have class. She has more to give, and is my selection. Midnite Angel is the each way alternative.

15:05 King Edward VII Stakes (Gr.2) – I’m going against the grain here and opposing Battle of Marengo. I think he’s a useful colt and his 4th placed finish in the Derby clearly shows that. However, odds on is not value for me and I could not have him at the price he is. If he wins, then well and good, but backing him is not an intelligent investment at the price. I’m siding with Sir Michael Stoute’s Hillstar who should enjoy the extra two furlongs here. Decent value also sweetens the deal!

15:45 Coronation Stakes (Fillies’ Gr.1) – This is a pretty competitive race with two classic winners in Just The Judge and Sky Lantern coming back for another tussle. Call me crazy but I think going  to oppose them both, even though I’m a big Sky Lantern fan. It is well known that Dermot Weld has said on several occasions that the cold spring had left a lot of his fillies more backward than usual for the time of year. With that in mind Big Break ran a stormer in the Irish guineas if she was not 100%. With the few weeks of nice weather helping her forward and the run under the belt, she will be cherry right for this. She is my selection. Each way selection is Rehn’s Nest who came home like a scalded cat in the Irish guineas and showed an impressive turn of foot. Her draw helps.

16:25 Wolferton Handicap (Listed) – Not too keen on anything here. Two for Two is back for more over this extended trip after a disappointing run having been hampered in the Hunt Cup. O’Meara is a shrewd operator and perhaps a small each way curiosity bet is the order of the day here. Nice draw, and potentially carrying a handy weight. That’s all I will be doing though. I’m a little clueless on this otherwise!

17:00 Queen’s Vase in Memory of Sir Henry Cecil (Gr.3) – Leading Light is the selection here. Wasn’t convinced about him up until his last run where Little White Cloud (a useful colt) came upsides him and he just changed gears and left him for dead. They haven’t gotten to the bottom of this fella yet and I would imagine Group 1 status beckons down the line. He carries a 4 pound penalty for a Gr.3 win the last day, but I still like him for this. Each way alternative would be Mister Impatience, second behind Ruler of the World at Chester being the highlight of his form.

17:35 Buckingham Palace Stakes (H’cap) – The market for this is wide open. That’s mostly because nobody has a clue! I could make a case for a few of them but I’m going each way on Jamesie who hasn’t shown too much this term but I wouldn’t be too worried about that. I saw him at the Curragh the last day and looked to be carrying a bit of condition and probably needed the run. He was second in this last year and is in with a squeak again. Another for an each way nibble is Smarty Socks who is drawn very wide and carries an extra 5 for a recent win but Tudhope and O’Meara have a ridiculous strike rate this season and should be respected. Also has course and distance form.

That’s it for Day 4. I’m in London now and heading to Ascot for Saturday! It’s my first time going so I can’t wait! Anyone from Channel 4 or AtTheRaces reading this, I’m available for interview!! (You should all tweet them and let them know that!)

Thanks a million for all of your kind words again this week, you’re a super bunch! The very best of luck with your selections tomorrow! A pleasure as always!

Slán tamaillín,

T