Day two of Royal Ascot after a sensational day one has plenty more amazing action for punters to enjoy. After just the one winner yesterday I am hopeful we can kick on today and find a few more!
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo)
What a brilliant challenge to kick off day two, it is advisable to have a few darts in this wide-open affair. Two I will be keeping at least two on side, last year an American Filly took the race and this year I think Wes Ward’s horse Ultima Grace could be one to consider, a winner over slightly shorter on debut at Keenland draw high seemed to not be a disadvantage yesterday and I expect his filly to run a good race. Another at an each way price is Mighty Eriu, Gavin Cromwell is a master at training it seems any type of horse to win and his filly coming back to five furlongs could just be ideal. Beaten by a nice yardstick in Tunbridge Wells on her only start to date a high draw could be put to good use by her.
Ultima Grace and Mighty Eriu both each way
Queen’s Vase (Group 2) (Class 1) (3yo)
Aidan O Brien seems to have a strong hand on the market with Illinois and Highbury but its Birdman from Jessica Harrington’s team I am keenest on. Two runs have yielded two wins for this son of Free Eagle. Shane Foley gave some very positive quotes after the Navan win and suggested that better ground is going to suit this horse nicely. He gets that today and can go well at a nice price possibly even offering an each way play if he gets any bigger than 5/1
1m (7f213y) (Rnd) Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (4yo+)
The one race on the card that I just couldn’t find a bet in, Rougue Millenium is probably the correct fav and plenty will put up last years winner of the race. Just be aware the race has changed tracks this year onto the round course which could present a slightly different challenge for Joseph O’Brien horse. Laurel makes limited appeal coming back off a near 400 day break, Running Lion needs some luck from that draw and the rest just are of limited interest. Best of luck if you have a play but for me I will just be watching this one.
1m2f (1m1f212y) Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+)
A cracking race with Inspiral opting to come here rather than the Queen Ann on day one but for its all about Auguste Rodin, the ground is perfect for Adian O’Brein Derby winner. His recent second to White Birch was a fair run which he needs to improve from but we have seen time and time again how well his improve for a run, he will be my nap of the day.
Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)
With good each way terms on offer I can’t not take a couple of stabs here, Beshtani was unlucky at Epsom not to strike first time out on his first run in the UK this French import gets to run off an unchanged mark due to the early closing nature of the Hunt Cup. Better ground could aid him further and I am with him again here. The only other fancy was Streets Of Gold, finally getting back on a sound surface is always key to this horse who was a fair sixth in the Victoria Cup at the track last time out I think a mile will suit and hope both can make the frame at least as each way plays.
Beshtani and Streets Of Gold both each way
1m (Str) Kensington Palace Stakes (Fillies’ Handicap) (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-105)
This was one of the hardest races to really hold a strong view on but accounting for the ground I felt and each way play on Victoria Falls wasn’t the most outrageous shout in the world. Yes she is 40/1 but her last two runs have been good efforts finishing second twice and she has proven she loves the good to firm ground we can expect today. Connor Planas is going to have to be eating fresh air for breakfast given he is taking three off and the horse is set to carry eight stone two today which is the lowest has ridden at in the last 12 month and is supposed to take a further 3 off.
5f Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo)
Pineapple doesn’t belong on a pizza but I am ordering a bet on Hawaiian in the last, a brilliant winner on debut at Newbury we can disregard the next time out thumping at Sandown on Soft ground. The third from that debut won the Coventry at a huge price on Tuesday and the same combo have already landed winners this week. A high draw can suit and I would be hopeful that we can get a big run for our money. I will also be having a saver on Shadow Army of Richard Fahey, draw the other end low in 6 connections have already been hitting the cross bar and the York debut run looks on paper to be strong form already from what we have seen.
Hawaiian and Shadow Army both each way
