Friends!
It’s been too long. I feel like I open with that line way too often, but this time it really has! The flat is well and truly in full swing and not a single post from yours truly…shameful carry on really! I could blame a number of factors, but the blame only really falls on myself, when you boil it down! (See that. I’ve kind of set that self loathing undertone. I live in London now maaaan. I’m edgy and sh*t).
I had this argument with somebody over a few pints recently, actually. If you are into horse racing, because it is such a relatively “off piste” sporting interest from the mainstream, does that then make the racing fan a hipster of sorts? I, clutching at the straws of a sniff of coolness, of course argued that it did and despite my incredibly uncool appearance and demeanour I was, in fact, a veritable hipster, minus facial hair style and an iota of fashion sense. I was then absolutely crushed by the rebuttal that horse racing is, arguably, still an agricultural interest to an extent and that I was nothing more than an uncultured bogger trying to re-invent myself in a new country…… I went home and had a good cry after that. Tough stuff to hear. They do say the truth hurts. Especially after a few pints.
Well, it’s good to be back talking to you anyway! We’ve got a massive week of fantastic racing ahead at the Royal meeting and I, for one, cannot wait! I’ll be here all week so hopefully we can string a few winners together and pay for a few drinks next weekend!
Anyhow, without further ado, lets have a look at the card!
14:30 Queen Anne Stakes: A very good renewal, in my own honest opinion. It’s a question of whether you are going to side with the foreigners or the locals. Well the French horse and the Sha Tin expert definitely set the bar pretty high. In my heart of hearts I would be of the opinion that Able Friend would be more than likely to suffer from a touch of the ‘Silvianaco Contis’! In other words, an unknown entity on a stiffer straight track and may well calve, not to mention the fact that he’s racing on the other side of the world for the first time in his life. Solow for me is the bet of the week at 6/4 and is playing a protagonists role in my ante post portfolio. Needless to say if he gets rolled I’ll be a fairly sick puppy.
15:05 Coventry Stakes: Harking back to day one of this years Cheltenham festival, day one of Royal Ascot could well prove to be panic stations for the bookmakers if the favourite backers get their way again. Round two has been the recipient of plenty of rare praise from his trainer. Its fair to say the quotes from Jim Bolger about this son of Teofilo have been absolutely glowing. However, of the favourites on this card, this is the one to take on. Not my type of bet. Air Force Blue at the price could prove to have an air of value about him. His maiden has worked out pretty well and at the price I’ll be siding with connections who have an exceptional record in the race.
15:40 King’s Stand Stakes: Regular readers of this blog will know where my loyalties lie over a quick 5 furlongs at Ascot. Personally, I feel that Sole Power is the best 5 furlong sprinter in the world on good ground or faster. His run in Meydan was very very good. Don’t mind that Curragh run, at all. With a bit of luck in running he could produce a pretty admirable King’s Stand treble.
16:20 St James’s Palace Stakes: I’ve burnt myself pretty badly trying to pick holes in Guineas winners in the past. Kingman rings bell. Yeah, I can be a fool. But I’m firmly in the Gleneagles camp this time. The Curragh run was perhaps his most admirable. Pure class got him there. He is just too good to oppose here.
17:00 Ascot Stakes: An open enough affair. The one that stands out to me is Charlie Fellowes charge Lycidas. Staying on all the time over two miles when at winning at York the last day. The third horse that time came out and won on reappearance franking the form and I just think this 6 year old could be a shade better than a mark of 93, even though he’s improved a lot in his last couple of runs. Hopefully he’s not at the end of his tether yet!
17:35 Windsor Castle Stakes: 27 two year olds go toe to toe over 5 furlongs and in reality anything is possible. I remember seeing Hootenanny in the pre parade ring last year looking like a Belgian Blue in comparison to the other juveniles. I’ll probably keep the powder dry until I get a look at them but let’s just say the Californian sunshine does wonders for a thoroughbred…. With that in mind, Wesley Wards Ruby Notion has to get some serious consideration. Class can overcome size, but if this filly is looking anyway chunky I’ll be backing her.
So that’s it folks.
Here’s to a successful opening day.
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 