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Royal Ascot 2008

I shall be working hard on tips for Royal Ascot week and hope to emulate the returns we enjoyed last year with such tips as

Excellent Art 8-1,

Drawnfromthepast 9-1,

Nannina 3-1,

Manduro 15-8,

e.w Duke Of Marmalade 11-1

Placepot returns for a £1 stake; Day 1. £1898.20

Day 2. £190

Royal Ascot 2008

I shall be working hard on tips for Royal Ascot week and hope to emulate the returns we enjoyed last year with such tips as

Excellent Art 8-1,

Drawnfromthepast 9-1,

Nannina 3-1,

Manduro 15-8,

e.w Duke Of Marmalade 11-1

Placepot returns for a £1 stake; Day 1. £1898.20

Day 2. £190

Past Royal Ascot 2008 Day 1 analysis:

4yo or 5yo's carrying no more than 9st rule the roost here and previous track form is a bonus. Victoria Cup 4th, We'll Come, ran well on his first outing and should come on a bundle for that race.

Bankable is well fancied but his price is too stingy for a race of this nature and the ground may well be a shade too fast.

We'll Come, Docofthebay 2nd 10-1

16:55 Queen Mary Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

Unbeaten last time out winners hold most of the cards here and we are looking for a filly with plenty of speed in her Sire's profile. Mick Channon and Richard Hannon do well in this race.

Danehill Destiny, Baileys Cacao

17:30 Sandringham Handicap Royal Ascot 2008

A rating of 90+ and in the first 6 in the betting will capture our winning filly. Currently we have Makaaseb, Maramba, Shabiba, Illusion, F14:30, Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (Str)

Four year olds at the head of the market are the way to go here and preference is given to previous Lockinge Stakes runners.

Tariq, Haradasun won 5-1

15:05, King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) Royal Ascot 2008

Favourites have a job to get their heads in front here which puts a dampener on Fleeting Spirit's chances but that's not to say the winner is not top class, as a big percentage of winners have won a Group 1 or Group 2 race.

Dandy Man, Kingsgate Native

15:45, St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) Royal Ascot 2008

We are looking for a horse with single figure odds, trained by Aidan O'Brien who has won a Group 1 race.... ok, ok, ok - should be able to work this one out.

Henrythenavigator won 4-7, Stubbs Art

16:20, Coventry Stakes (Group 2) Royal Ascot 2008

Aidan O'Brien has a good record in this race, winning 5 of the last 11 renewals. A horse that won its sole start has often gone on to win this.

Orizaba, Peter Tchaikovsky

16:55, Ascot Stakes (Handicap) Royal Ascot 2008

A 4yo or 5yo carrying over 9st and who was placed in the Chester Cup is an ideal candidate for this ultimate test of stamina and. While Martin Pipe enjoyed great success here there is no reason why his son David cannot maintain the tradition.

Som Tala, Mamlook 2nd 8-1

17:30, Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) Royal Ascot 2008

Although not a strong race for past Royal Ascot 2008 followers, 22 of the last 23 winners came from the first 6 in the betting. Currently these are: Silver Shoon, Bushranger, Brae Hill, Aaakef, Dabbers Chief, Mullionmileanhour

Brae Hill, Moss Likely

Past Royal Ascot 2008 Day 2 analysis:

14:30 Jersey Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

A good guide is the King Charles II stakes at Newmarket for horses that finished 1st or 2nd and Calming Influence and Stimulation filled those places this year. Last time out winners have won 50% of the last 12 renewals which puts Calming Influence in a very strong position.

Calming Influence, Aqlaam won 13-2

15:05 Windsor Forest Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

Not much in the way of stats to work on but Sir Michael Stoute has twice won this and fields another likely sort in Heaven Sent.

Heaven Sent 2nd 9-4, Barshiba

15:45 Prince Of Wales's Stakes

Since 2000 every winner has won a Group 1 race which gives us Ask, Duke Of Marmalade, Phoenix Tower, Pipedreamer, Pressing (Smart Italian 5yo) Winner is most often found in the first 4 in the betting currently Duke Of Marmalade, Phoenix Tower, Ask and Pressing.

Duke Of Marmalade won evens, Phoenix Tower 2nd 7-1

16:20 Royal Hunt Cup Handicap Royal Ascot 2008

estivale and Cruel Sea.

Ten of the last 12 winners had won earlier in the season and 8 of them last time out.

With 5 of John Gosden's fillies making the frame we have a likely candidate in Illusion but the problem is her rating of 83.

Cruel Sea, Shabiba and Festivale have not won this season nor the favourite Makaaseb, a lay in my book. While Maramba has not raced at all this season.

Amanjena, Cruel Sea

Royal Ascot 2008 Day 3 analysis:

14:30 Norfolk Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

A last time out winner is a strong stat and 10 of the last winners were undefeated

Richard Hannon has a good record in this race

Those who have raced solely at 5f also have a fine record

The favourite or second favourite have won the past 5 renewals

The favourite is South Central who won his sole 5f start by 13 lengths and was clearly in a different league from his rivals

2nd favourite is Cerito who also won his only start in impressive fashion. His win came on gd-fm the former on good. His trainer M Channon is in form whereas Howard Johnson is having a quiet time.

Cerito, South Central won 11-4

15:05 Ribblesdale Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

Oaks contestants have done well in this

Listed winners are also well represented in the winners enclosure

9 out 10 finished in the first 3 last time out

7 out of 10 have won over at least 1m 2f

Cape Amber has been contesting some good races and impressed when 2nd to Lush Lashes with Da Re Mi just behind. She should improve and will relish the fast ground.

Michita was just behind when they both contested the Group 1 Oaks where they both failed to handle the course but she has already won a Listed race at Goodwood.

However that race was only 13 days ago and they both may be feeling the effects.

Those that finished in the 1st 3 last time out are Arthur's Girl, Changing Skies, Dar Re Mi, I think we can ignore Elmaleeha and Icon Project.

Dar Re Mi non runner, Changing Skies

15:45 Gold Cup Royal Ascot 2008

Group 1 form is a strong stat

4yo to 6yo have won the last 14 renewals - Yeats is now a 7yo

This gives us Coastal Path, Geordieland, Sagara, (poor recent form and stamina doubts) Allegretto

Coastal Path, Allegretto

16:20 Britannia Stakes Heritage Handicap Royal Ascot 2008

Finishing in the 1st 4 last time out is a prerequisite

9st is as much as a winner will wish to carry

Last time out maidens are a no-no

Lightly raced runner in the first 6 in the betting

Currently we have Redford, Hurricane Hymnbook, Flawed Genius, Commander Cave, Rattan, Throne Of Power

Redford was very impressive on his return this season winning a class 2 handicap at Doncaster and can improve again. Commander Cave just lost out in a similar race at Haydock in May with Flawed Genius back in 4th.

But there is little to suggest the latter can reverse placings. The problem with Commander Cave is he is over the weight limit at 9st 1lb.

It is open to debate how far Rattan can progress from a Grade 4 Handicap at Newmarket in May. Throne Of Power however gave the impression there was a lot more to come if stepping up to a mile after a power packed 7f Grade 4 win at Doncaster in May.

Redford, Throne Of Power

16.55 Hampton Court Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

This is not a race in which Michael Stoute excels which throws a niggling doubt over the first 2 in the betting, Dr faustus and Kensington Oval.

Collection on the other hand has a lot going for him. He made light of the trouble in running when winning a class 4 handicap at York on gd-fm in May and was considered good enough to hold a Derby entry. His trainer William Haggas,is in good form.

Collection won 13-2, Staying On

17:30 King George V Heritage Handicap Royal Ascot 2008

Not a great race for favourites but not easy to tell at this stage who that will be, but at the time of writing Allied Powers and Colony are up there.

Mark Johnston, Sir Michael Stoute and John Gosden have won 9 of the last 15 renewals.

Their runners are Missioner, Drill Sergeant, Colony, Moonquake

Missioner, Trenchtown

Royal Ascot 2008 Day 4 analysis:

14:30 Albany Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

With only 6 renewals of this race there is not great deal to go on

although a few stats are beginning to emerge.

A Racing Post Rating of 100+ is a must which immediately reduces

the field to

African Skies, April Pride, Aspen Darlin, Cuis Ghaire, She's A Shaw

Thing

Horses that won their maidens last time out and with only one start

have won at least half the contests. While trainers Jeremy Noseda and Mick Channon winning 2 each.

Cuis Ghaire is trained by J Bolger and his filly looks a clas apart

having won both her starts the 2nd of which was a Group 3 at Naas

African Skies' sole start saw her come 2nd in a class 3 maiden and

is sure to improve. April Pride has had her limitations exposed

after a promising start. Aspen Darlin has shown up well in some

competitive races and should benefit from the step up to 6f but

She's A Shaw Thing looks only to act on ground with plenty of give.

Cuis Ghaire won 8-11, African Skies

15:05 King Edward VII Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

A punter friendly race in that 12 of the last 14 winners started

favourite or second favourite.

Currently Hebridean and Conduit

I can't really see anything else getting a look in so the toss up

goes to Aidan O'Brien's Hebridean who won't mind the firm going and

has proved himself a Group horse.

Hebridean, Conduit 2nd 11-4

15:45 Coronation Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

The Newmarket 1000 Guineas and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh

are good pointers in this race and Spacious (2nd) and Infallible

(4th) lead the way.

Favourites also have a good record which adds to confidence behind

the market leader, Spacious.

Lush Lashes will relish conditions but there is a suspicion she

might need further.

The French raider Modern Look is classy but has done all his

winning on a softer surface.

Carribean Sunset was promoted to 3rd in the Irish 1000 Guineas

after suffering interference in running and very little separated

the first 4 home. The ground there was firm and so the conditions here should suit.

Spacious, Carribean Sunset 3rd 16-1

16:20 Wolferton Handicap Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

Lightly raced improvers are the ones to latch on to here and

Bushman looks an interesting contestant.

A 4year old Godolphin cast-off he came late to racing but seems to be finding his feet now in good company.

The handicapper may well not have his measure as yet. The only

problem could be the firm going as his racing has only been on good

and soft. Rain is forecast for Friday so this may ease the ground.

Emirates Skyline is progressing nicely and may be ready to make the

jump up to Pattern races. He won his only outing this season and is

usually best first time out but a place is very much on the cards here with Frankie on board.

Bushman non runner, Emirates Skyline

16:55 Queen's Vase Royal Ascot 2008

Stamina is well to the fore here in this 2m race.

Several winners were unraced as 2yo.

Mark Johnston has won 4 of the last 7 renewals

Sir Michael Stoute and godolphin are also up there.

The last 6 winners were all beaten last time out.

Patkai is the favourite so far but there is a niggling doubt

concerning his stamina and he seemed not entirely at ease on the

firm ground when winning at Haydock recently. He also had a couple

of races as a 2yo.

Mark Johnstom fields Captain Webb and Age Of Reason 2nd and 3rd

favourites. The former coming here off the back of a Listed win at

Hamilton in May on gd-fm while Age Of Reason was a staying on 3rd

in a Listed race at Newmarket gd-fm.

Ebadiyan, unraced as a 2yo who won a 1m 4f race at Dundalk in April and followed that with

a 2nd behind Hebridean at Gowran in May when the impression was

gained he would appreciate further on firmer ground.

Ebadiyan, Patkai won 6-4

17:30 Buckingham Palace Handicap Royal Ascot 2008

Little to go on here and with so many imponderables - however ignore 3yo's and go for a horse in the first 6 in the betting.

Zaahid non runner, Hinton Admiral

Royal Ascot Day 5 Royal Ascot 2008

14:30 Chesham Stakes Not much form to go on here although 18 of the last 19 renewals saw the winner come from the first 3 in the betting. Currently these are Free Agent, Seaway, Johnny Rook.

Seven of the last 10 winners were unbeaten on their last start

Free Agent won 7-2, Seaway 2nd 7-2

15:05 Hardwicke Stakes A large number of winners ran in the Coronation cup and 11 of the last 13 winners have won a Group 2 or 3 race. Stamina is important and a win at 1m4f helps. Macarthur won 11-8, Spanish Moon

15:45 Golden Jubilee Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

A win at 6f is obligatory

3yo's don't win this

Course experience is very helpful

The Duke Of York stakes is a good pointer to future winners

US Ranger, Marchand D'Or

16:25 Wokingham Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

4yo and 5yo's do best in this

finish in the first 4 last time out

Carrying 8st 13lbs or more

Lightly raced this season

Edge Closer, Kings Apostle 3rd 11-1

17:00 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

9 of the last 11 winners carried 9st+

4yo and 5yo's dominate

A last time out winner is a plus

Michael Stoute has a good record here

Look for a horse in the first 6 in the betting currently

Mad Rush, Proponent, Capable Guest, Pevensey, Luberon, Ezdiyaad

The disappointment experienced by Luca Cumani at the poor display of Bankable can be erased by Mad Rush taking this.

Mad Rush 2nd 5-2, Gulf Express

17:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

This race is a fair trek by any flat standards and stamina will be at a premium.

Those at the head of the market have the best chance

No winner older than 6 since 1990

Concentrate on horses that have contested Group or Listed races

Ajaan, Enjoy The Moment

Royal Ascot 2008 Royal Ascot 2008 2007 Results and analysis:

A good start to Ascot week with 2 winners Excellent Art 8-1, Drawnfromthepast 9-1. Four 2nds including our e.w tip Duke Of

Marmalade 11-1 and 2 3rds from 11 selections, certainly got the juices flowing.

Two more first selection wins in Nannina 3-1 and Manduro 15-8, 3rd

choice Royal Oath 9-1 and each way choice Arabian Gleam 14-1 3rd.

Others to make the frame U.S. Ranger 6-5, Supaseus 17-2, Costume 5-1.

Heady days, but remember we win some and lose some so let's not get carried away by increasing stakes.

I am indebted to Phil Grace for calculating Placepot returns for a £1 stake; Day 1. £1898.20 Day 2. £190

Day 5

Royal Ascot 2.30 Chesham Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

The top three in the betting have strong claims in this race and are likely to be Double Attack, Feared In Flight and The Bogberry. Horses winning their sole previous start also figure prominently and these are Double Attack, Feared In Flight, Maze and Golan Knight. Double Attack fits all the trends and Maze is worth an interest

Double Attack

Maze won 11-2

Royal Ascot 3.05 Hardwicke Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

Scorpion has to carry a Group 1 penalty here and may not be up to the task as plenty have failed before him. Maraahel contested the Coronation Cup (a good guide to this race) and his 3rd there suggests he can take this.

Maraahel won 10-3

3.45 Golden Jubilee Stakes Royal Ascot 2008

This race revolves around Miss Andretti who blitzed the field in the 5f race on Tuesday and just as effective over 6f is a major player. However couple of niggling doubts creep in when you consider she failed to win the 2nd time when turned out twice in the same week

and her main rival takeover Target is laid out for this race and connections considered the 5f a prep race. Of the home team Chapple-Hyam's Al Quasi is progressive could run into a place.

Takeover Target 2nd 8-1

Al Quasi e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 4.25 Wokingham Stakes

A middle to high draw is a strong trend as is horses carrying 9st or more. Zidane is the favourite but his stall 4 is a worry and in a tricky race Intrepid Jack and Beckermet get the vote. The latter ran a cracker at Haydock last time and is back to best form.

Intrepid Jack 2nd 10-1

Beckermet e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 5.0 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes

Last time out winners carrying 9st or more rule the roost and the Dettori ridden Scriptwriter fits the bill.

Scriptwriter

Royal Ascot 2008 5.35 Queen Alexandra Stakes

Previous experience of the course and stamina are the leading trends which gives Baddam an excellent chance. Enjoy The Moment was fancied in Tuesday's Ascot stakes and was eased after encountering trouble in running.

Baddam 2nd 4-1

Enjoy the Moment won 6-1

Day 4

Royal Ascot 2008 2.30 Albany Stakes

Last time out winners for 2yo's have the best chance in this race, coupled with a high draw. If Janina were not in stall 1 she would rate a big threat however Aiden O'Brien's You'resothrilling has the class to take this.

You'resothrilling 2nd 7-4

Royal Ascot 2008 3.05 King Edward VII Stakes

St Leger winners have a good record in this race and our focus should be on the first 2 in the betting. The form of Lucarno and Salford Mill stand out with preference for the latter while Mark Johnston's improver Boscobel should not be underestimated.

Lucarno 2nd 5-2

Boscobel won 7-1

Royal Ascot 2008 3.45 Coronation Stakes

Finsceal Beo and Darjina are the class horses to concentrate on as this race favours the first one or two in the betting. The former is fancied to reverse form with Darjina the French 1000 guineas winner by a short head.

Finsceal Beo

Royal Ascot 4.20 Wolferton Handicap Lightly raced horses catch the eye, open to improvement and laid out for this race. Emirates Skyline is potentially group class after his run at York suggests while Stotsfold can continue to improve.

Emirates Skyline

Stotsfold non runner

Royal Ascot 2008 4.55 Queen's vase

Stamina is the main requisite and we need look no further than the first 4 in the betting. Mark Johnston has an excellent record in this race and his Hearthstead Maison commands respect but he may have to give second best to Darestan who is bred to stay and boasts the best credentials.

Darestan

Hearthstead Maison

Royal Ascot 2008 5.30 Buckingham Palace Stakes

Not many stats to get a grip on since the inaugural race 5 years ago but we should be looking for horses prominent in the betting and drawn middle to high. Pride Of Nation (drawn 25), Song Of Passion (22) Racer Forever (18) Indian Trail (29) fit the bill and preference is for

Pride of Nation

Indian Trail

Day 3

Royal Ascot 2008 2.30 Norfolk Stakes

Favourites have a good record in this race especially unbeaten horses. This gives us a short list of Roker Park, Spirit Of Sharjah, Strike The Deal, Warsaw and Winker Watson. The last named has ticks in all the right boxes and gets the vote.

Winker Watson won 2-1

Royal Ascot 2008 3.05 Ribblesdale Stakes

Be wary of fillies who failed to win their Listed or Group races but consider those that recently won their maidens. The hint should be taken that Michael Jarvis has chosen Silkwood to run here in preference to Fashion Statement. The french horse Baroness Richter is to be respected and probably overpriced.

Silkwood won 4-1

Baroness Richter e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 3.45 Gold Cup

Yeats is probably in a different class to these but who would take a price of 8-13? Seargent Cecil is probably over the hill. So it may pay to look at horses capable of making the frame.

Baddam is a thorough stayer and is just coming to hand. Tungsten Strike would not want it any softer but is a sound alternative. 66-1 about The Last Drop is madness so who am I to put you off a small interest.

Baddam e.w.

Tungsten strike e.w.

The Last Drop e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 4.20 Britannia Stakes

Look for the first 6 in the betting and for those open to improvement. Those at the top of the weights are likely to be usurped by the newcomers. Making the frame last time out is also crucial and eliminates 14 runners. To fit the bill we have Colorado Rapid, Slate, Canongate, Artimino and Shmookh. Final considerations concerning trainer success and state of the ground suggest the following short list.

Colorado Rapid

Artimino 4th 4-1

Canongate e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 4.55 Hampton Court Stakes

Not a race for favourites, likely to be Zaham and the same applies to penalised horses. Kid Mambo is tough and did well in the Derby, not quite lasting home and this shorter trip will suit.

Kid Mambo

Royal Ascot 2008 5.30 King George V Stakes

Middle price winners have been in abundance in recent years as have those starting the season a maiden. Mark Johnston has done well in this race and his Record Breaker merits consideration however Henry Cecil can continue his resurgence with Walking Talking.

Walking Talking 3rd 12-1

Record Breaker e.w.

Day 2

The place to avoid is evidently the stands rail, so middle to high numbers merit close inspection.

Royal Ascot 2008 2.30 Jersey Stakes

An in form horse is the one to be on in this race although fillies have a poor record. The spoils have often been landed by an improving 3yo and favourites have a good record.

U.S. Ranger

Arabian Gleam e.w 3rd 14-1

Royal Ascot 2008 3.05 Windsor Forest Stakes

Echelon from the Stoute stable and on our horse to follow list merits consideration but could be exposed and the 2nd string Wasseema makes more appeal for the forecast. However Nannina has the class to win this as a previous group 1 winner and with her prep race 3rd brushing away the cobwebs she should take this.

Nannina won 3-1

Wasseema e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 3.45 Prince Of Wales Stakes

This is a top class race and should go the way of a group 1 winner. Dylan Thomas, Manduro, Red Rocks and Notnowcato are the ones to concentrate on. Dylan Thomas and Notnowcato have not won at the very highest level and Manduro gets the nod after his exhilirating 5 length win in his first Group 1 triumph last time out.

Manduro won 15-8

Royal Ascot 2008 4.20 Royal Hunt Cup

This race favours 4yo's and 5yo's and most winners carry no more than 9st. Course and distance winner Supaseus fits the bill.

Supaseus 4th 17-2

Pride Of Nation

Royal Oath won 9-1

Royal Ascot 2008 4.55 Queen Mary Stakes

Regal Step and Starlit Sands stand out here with the latter having the better draw Tia Mia has solid form and a good draw although a 2nd last time out is a concern, but rates good value for an each way bet

Starlit Sands 2nd 4-1

Tia Mia e.w.

Royal Ascot 2008 5.30 Sandringham Handicap

Last time out winning form is important and avoid outsiders as the winner should come from within the 1st six in the betting.

Costume and Cliche stand out, with the former getting the nod.

Costume 3rd 5-1

Day 1.

Royal Ascot 2008 2.30pm Coventry Stakes

The effect of the draw is unknown at this stage but recent winners have come from the first 5 in the betting which gives us Henrythenavigator, Declaration Of War, Luck Money, Pencil Hill and Bobs Surprise.

Aiden O'brien has won this 4 times in the last 10 renewals and fields the favourite Henrythenavigator. However his price is too short for what he has previously achieved and better value can be found in

Luck Money 3rd 13-2

Bobs Surprise

Royal Ascot 2008 3.05 Kings Stand Stakes

The Aussies field two likely candidates in Miss Andretti and last year's winner Takeover Target. However this is not a good race for favourites which is a negative for Miss Andretti and back to back wins are rare which does not bode well for Takeover Target. In fact 6 winners since 1992 have started at 16-1+ and a chance is taken with

Beauty is Truth

Dandy Man 2nd 15-2

Royal Ascot 2008 3.45 St James's Palace stakes

Cockney Rebel is the favourite but one cause for concern is that as a winner of the 2000 Guineas he joins a band of horses (Rock Of Gibraltar apart) that fare less well on a round course.

Excellent Art was given a poor ride by Jamie Spencer in the French 2000 Guineas but was eating up the ground to get within 3l of the winner Astronomer Royal.

Excellent Art won 8-1

Duke Of Marmalade - each way 2nd 11-1

Royal Ascot 2008 4.20 Queen anne Stakes

All eyes will be on George Washington who bids to resurrect his racing career. His was a class act but the price could be too short to risk a return to his best form and this seasonal dbut could be a pitch too far. Older horses tend to struggle here which casts a doubt over Cesare as do fillies which puts the 4yo's Jeremy and Ramonti in the picture.

Ryan Moore has been mowing down the opposition since his return and can steer to victory

Jeremy 2nd 14-1

Royal Ascot 2008 4.55 Ascot stakes

Four and five year olds carrying 9st or more have a good record in this race.

Juniper Girl 2nd 16-1

Nobelix

Royal Ascot 2008 5.30 Windsor Castle Stakes

Difficult to draw many conclusions from the stats on this race - my preference is for Jamie Osbourne's and Mick Channon's runners

Drawnfromthepast won 9-1

Hatta fort 3rd 3-1

The Aussie horses are well represented. Malcolm Heyhoe of GG has this to say:

Don't say it too loud but the Aussies are coming, and coming, and coming again. At this month's Royal Ascot jamboree, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Bentley Biscuit and Magnus, currently four of the very best Australian sprinters in training, will contest the King's Stand (3.05) and Golden Jubilee Stakes (3.45), in the space of five days between June 19 and 23 respectively. It is a formidable challenge. In a country whose heroes tend to be mavericks and adventurers such as outlaw Ned Kelly, explorers Burke and Wills, and racehorse Phar Lap, there is a strong sense of the powerful outsider and this same spirit can be found in sport Down Under and duly informs the Aussie challenge for top sprint honours...

Don't miss our coverage - come back soon

To celebrate the re-opening of Ascot racecourse I will be covering the Royal Ascot meeting starting on Tuesday 20th June.

I will focus on two races on each day and will be sending out selections every evening for the following days races.

If you wish to receive these free tips simply use the Contact Us form and type 'Royal Ascot' in the text box. You will then be added to the mailing list.

I shall provide an analysis of the chosen races which will be updated as information becomes available:

Royal Ascot Tuesday 20th June

3.50pm St James Palace Stakes (Old Mile) Group 1 3yo

The last 7 winners of this Royal Ascot race contested at least 1 of the 3 major European Guineas

4 of these won at least 1 of them

Most of these have also run in the home Guineas at Newmarket

8 of the last 10 Irish Guineas winners have run here but only 2 have won at Royal Ascot as well; Rock of Gibraltar and Black Minaloushe, trained by Aidan O'Brien

It is best to stick with those at the head of the market

Araafa - 1st 2-1

Decado

Stormy River 3rd 7-2

Marcus Andronicus

Only Araafa has won a Group 1 prize and fits the trends best

While Marcus Andronicus might have some improvement in him.

Tuesday 20th June

4.55pm Ascot Stakes 2 1/2 miles Handicap 4yo+

Trends that point to the winner include:

Already won at Ascot

Won in a field of at least 15 runners

Won at 14f+

Won or placed in a Class C race

The going suits

Has a Group 1 parent who won at 16f+

Has won this season

Is a 4-5 year old

The odds are no more than 12-1 (Double Obsession bucked the trend in 2004 at 25-1)

Drawn 22 +

Pipe trained or ridden by Kieren Fallon

If we consider that the winner will come from a stall higher than 21 and a 4-5 yr old is preferred we are looking at

Top The Charts - 2nd 5-1

Shamayoun - 3rd 10-1

Incursion

Taking the other factors into consideration the likeliest winner is Top Of The Charts

Selections for the other races

2.35 COVENTRY STAKES

HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR, TARIQ - 3rd 12-1

3.10 KING'S STAND STAKES

MOSS VALE, LA CUCARACHA

But if you are a romantic go for Takeover Target from down under, to emulate Choisir's victory of three years ago. (See Insider Information Page) - 1st 7-1

5.30 WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES

ESPARTANO, WE'LL CONFER

Wednesday 21st June

3.50pm Prince of Wales Stakes 1 1/4 miles Group 1 4yo+

Arguably the best race of the Ascot meeting, attracting a top class field

All winners were Group 1 winners at the trip and Saeed Bin Suroor has won it 3 times

Odds 5-1 or less

Only top notch Group 1 winners need apply and the answer should be found in

ELECTROCUTIONIST 2nd 9-4

DAVID JUNIOR

Wednesday 21st June

4.25pm Royal Hunt Cup 1 mile Hcap 3yo+

A highly competitive race in which no favourite has won Odds up to 16-1

Placed at least on previous start

5 of 7 lastwinners had won during the same season

Speed at finish is crucial as the ground is usually firm

4 of the last 7 winners had won at 7f the same season and none had won at further than 1 mile

Age between 5-6 as only 1 4yo winner in last 7 renewals

None had won more than once during the previous season suggesting that the winner is well handicapped

All but one carried no more than 9 stone

PRINCE OF THEBES

PRIDE OF NATION

Other Races

2.35 JERSEY STAKES

Jeremy 1st 9-2

Levera

3.10 WINDSOR FOREST STAKES

ECHELON 2nd 3-1

One of horses to follow so little more needs to be said

4.55 QUEEN MARY STAKES

SUNLEY GIFT

ROXAN

PRINCESS IRIS

5.30 SANDRINGHAM RATED STAKES

WASSEEMA

HARVEST QUEEN

Thursday 22nd June

3.50pm Gold Cup 2 1/2 miles Group 1 4yo+

There have been no winners older than 6 since 1993

Most 4yo winners were placed in a Goup race as a 3yo

A number of winners had peviously won the Goodwood Cup

Most had won the same season

S Bin Suroor has won the race twice

TUNGSTEN STRIKE

REEFSCAPE 2nd 100-30

Thursday 22nd June

4.25pm Britannia Stakes 1 mile Heritage Handicap 3yo

Less exposed horses have a good record in this race as 6 of the last 7 winners had no more than 2 handicap runs while 2 had never contested a handicap race

4 winners had finished 1st or 2nd in previous handicap races

MOTARAQEB

SIR GERARD 1st 9-2

Other races

2.35 NORFOLK STAKES

DUTCH ART 1st 11-4

HOLDIN FOLDIN

3.10 RIBBLESDALE STAKES

QUENCHED

NOVELLARA

SCOTTISH STAGE (One of our horses to follow)2nd 5-2

4.55 HAMPTON COURT STAKES

INVENTION

IVY CREEK

5.30 BUCKINGHAM PALACE STAKES (Handicap)

NOTABILITY

MARCHING SONG

Royal Ascot Friay 23rd June

3.50pm Coronation Stakes (Old mile) Group 1 3yo

In the last 7 years only one winner had failed to gain at least a place in a major European classic

Starting prices tend to be low 6-1 at most

The last 4 winners of the French Guineas weree all beaten

NIGHTIME

LOLITA

(SILCA'S SISTER)

Friay 23rd June

5.30pm King George V Stakes 1 1/2 miles Heritage Handicap 3yo

Favours the improving horse going onto better things and dominated by the larger stables

None of the last 7 winners had more than 2 runs as a 2yo which meant that the handicapper may not have reacted to their true potential

Those that had contested handicaps had either won or come 2nd

Runners should preferably have at least been placed in races with large fields

Sir Michael Stoute and Mark Johnston have good records in this race at Royal Ascot

PEARLY KING

BANDAMA

(NUMERIC)

Other Races

2.35pm ALBANY STAKES

SILK BLOSSOM 2nd 7-1

BAHAMA MAMA

3.10pm KING EDWARD VII STAKES

RED ROCKS 2nd 3-1

TAM LIN

4.25pm WOLFERTON RATED STAKES (Listed, Handicap)

WILD SAVANNAH 2nd 9-2

PUBLIC FORUM

STAR OF LIGHT

4.55pm QUEEN'S VASE

GALIENT 2nd 11-4

ROAD TO MANDALAY

PRIVATE BUSINESS

It appeaars that on friday we have caught a severe bout of seconditis

Royal Ascot Saturday 24th June

3.45pm Golden Jubilee Stakes 6f Group 1 3yo+

Tends to attract an International field with Cape of Good Hope (Hong Kong) and Chosir (Australia) recent winners.

No 3yo have won it indicating that experience and proven form is a prerequisite

S Bin Suroor's runners do well at this Royal Ascot race

TAKEOVER TARGET 3rd 7-2

STEENBERG

FAYR JAG

Saturday 24th June

4.25pm Wokingham Stakes 6f Heritage Handicap 3yo+

This is one of the seasons most competitive and Open handicaps

The winners tend to be a progressive 4yo or 5yo

6 of the ladt 7 winners were higher in the handicap on the day

The last 3 winners had won at least once the same year and all had been placed on their last start

Most had enjoyed only a light campaign thet season

Form at 7f is not uncommon

INDIAN TRAIL

STRIKE UP THE BAND

Other Races

2.30 CHESHAM STAKES

COUNTRY SONG 2nd 5-1

ALWAYS FRUITFUL

3.05 HARDWICKE STAKES

DAY FLIGHT

BANDARI

4.55 DUKE OF EDINBURGH STAKES (Handicap)

PALOMAR 3rd 16-1

ALL THAT AND MORE

THUNDER ROCK

5.30 QUEEN ALEXANDRA STAKES

VINANDO 3rd 4-1

BADDAM 1st 11-2

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