BETTING BOX |
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FIXED ODDS |
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 | 1pt win The Gold Cheongsam in 14.30 Ascot at 14/1 (Coral, Ladbrokes). | Promising debut and that form has worked out well |
| 1pt win Maybe in 15.45 Ascot (NR). | Looks really consistent and a stiff mile could be her optimum trip. |
| 1pt win Mijhaar in 16.25 Ascot at 9/2 (Paddy Power, Coral). | 10 furlongs looks ideal for him after his promising run over a mile at York. |
| 1pt win Estimate in 17.00 Ascot at 6/1 (Betfred, Hills). | Really unexposed and really interesting over a trip on breeding. |
| 1pt e.w Directorship in 17.35 Ascot at 25/1 (1/4 1,2,3,4,5, Paddy Power). | A strongly-run seven should be ideal for this horse who ran a cracker at Sandown. |
The Coronation Stakes is the feature race on the Friday of Royal Ascot, a race for three-year-old fillies, and, quite frankly, the form of the three-year-old fillies is a right mess this season.
Samitar is a recent winner of the Irish 1,000 Guineas in which she had the winner of the English 1,000 Guineas, Homecoming Queen, behind.
Aidan O'Brien's filly had previously won at Newmarket by a breathtaking nine lengths with Starscope and Laugh Out Loud amongst those beaten.
However, her subsequent Irish run suggests that might've been a fluke although she was so impressive and won in a really good time.
It's difficult to know what to think.
Earlier on the card, the King Edward VII Stakes is a fascinating little contest featuring the Epsom Derby third Astrology.
Runner-up Main Sequence was just a short head ahead of Astrology with Thought Worthy six lengths back in fourth.
A line through Main Sequence suggests there's not too much between Astrology and Shantaram and that could mean this is a trappy affair.
Noble Mission, Frankel's brother, is stepping up in distance and he' sjopined in the race by stablemate Thomas Chippendale who is held in very high regard.
It's a very tricky race and though I would just prefer Astrology, I think he's a short price in a tight contest so it's a no bet for me.
The Albany Stakes kicks off the card and the one I'm interested in is The Gold Cheongsam who was very strongly fancied on her debut at Goodwood.
She didn't get much luck in running that day and finished third behind Mister Marc and Kimberella.
The runner-up has won since and the winner chased home Coventry Stakes winner Dawn Approach in Ireland.
The Gold Cheongsam is sure to improve a good deal after not getting the rub of the green on debut.
Later on I think the Wolferton Handicap might be a good opportunity for Roger Varian's Mijhaar who has showed plenty of ability in his career so far.
He was fourth in the King Edward VII Stakes on this day 12 months ago when beaten by Nathaniel over a mile and a half, a trip that probably stretched him a little bit.
I thought he ran pretty well over a mile at York first time out this season when third behind Fury and Royal Hunt Cup winner Prince Of Johanne.
I think the step up to 10 furlongs will suit Mijhaar ideally and if there's any further rain that will suit him too.
In the Queen's Vase I think Her Majesty has a good chance of getting a winner as Estimate impressed me on debut.
She only won a Salisbury maiden last time out so is very lightly-raced and though she's a bit of a shot in the dark on pedigree she's really interesting.
She's a half-sister to Ebadayla who won the Irish Oaks and French St Leger, and also to Enzelli who of course won the Gold Cup here at Royal Ascot.
So Estimate is really bred to get a trip and while she's very lightly-raced and inexperienced she's an interesting runner nonetheless.
The card closes with the Buckingham Palace Handicap, always a lottery over the seven furlongs.
My Royal Hunt Cup fancy Directorship didn't get in that race but he's guaranteed a run here.
He's a lovely horse who was second at Sandown last time out over a mile and the stiff seven furlongs should be fine for him providing they go a good gallop.
He has Ascot form which is always a bonus here and I think he could reward each-way faith at a decent price.
