Well, it turned out to be a very nice day indeed for yours truly. Whilst Ivawood didn’t quite fire, Acapulco, Free Eagle, Osaila and a second placed Temptress helped me get over it fairly quickly. If only Euro Charlene had loaded!!
They are watering at Ascot this evening as the ground went firm in places this afternoon. My heart of hearts would question that decision but my ante post portfolio breaths a sigh of relief for Forgotten Rules in the big one.
Let’s get down to it.
14:30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2): King of Rooks is beginning to look like a bit of a certainty after Buratino looked mighty fine in the Coventry. Even money is an ok price and I’ll have to get involved. Frankie “Ascot is my place” Dettori looks set to have a fair chance to make it 51 Royal Ascot winning rides with this son of Acclamation.
15:05 Tercentenary Stakes (Group 3): Jessie Harrington’s Big Bad Bob filly put in a fair performance in the Irish Guineas. The extra 2 furlongs here should help, as will her weight allowance and 7/1 is too tempting to pass up. Bocca Baciata for me.
15:40 Ribblesdale Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2): Connections of Pleascach have plenty to shout about after classic victory in the Irish Guineas last time. However, the step up to 1m 4f for this particular filly may be just a touch too far into the unknown at her price. The one I like here is David Wachman’s Curvy. She was a good winner when beating the boys over 1m 2f the last day and I just think she could have a better shout than her price might suggest. Granted, she has to improve, but I’ll side with her in the hope that she might.
16:20 Gold Cup (Group 1): They water the course this evening and I’m sure every single DKW and Moyglare connection will be hoping that it can hold the moisture until about 16:30 just in case they go off late. Forgotten Rules as a mere 5 year old has the potential to develop into one of those stayers that grabs the publics imagination. We are talking about a horse that could win the Champion Stayers race on Champions Day on his second start under flat rules and the third start of his life. His Navan return was admirable and he will no doubt improve. If this lad can get the job done there will not be a dry eye in the house, and no doubt Robbie McNamara will be at the front of everybody’s minds win lose or draw.
17:05 Britannia Stakes (Handicap): Two against the field here for each way bets. I’ll be hoping Bartel can overcome inexperience and handle the large field. He could be a bit more than a handicapper. Make It Up with young Edward Greatrex’s 7lb claim helping the cause, could out run his price for an each way bet.
17:35 King George V Stakes (Handicap): Scottish has the look of a 3 year old going places for Andrew Balding. After a good win at Newbury the last day, that form was franked by the second placed Keble who came out and absolutely dotted up at Goodwood next time. Scottish on Handicap debut here could be ahead of our dear friends at the BHA.
So thats it for Day 3 folks.
Solid foundations laid for the week. Heres hoping we can build on them.
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 