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14:30 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Queen Mary Stakes
Choux (0.5pt EW 40/1 5 places B365)
Was impressive enough when winning going away on debut having been the subject of a heavy gamble pre race. Will need to step up on that here in much better company but has the possibility to be anything. Last win came on soft ground but breeding suggests that the quicker ground here should be no problem and she has a decent draw and plenty of pace to run at today. A much tougher race but showed a great attitude last time out. If she can cope with the early pace here then could spring a surprise at the business end for connections.
15:05 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Queen’s Vase
Golden Flame (0.5pt EW 22/1 5 Places Skybet) + Dirham Emirati (0.5pt EW 80/1 5 places Skybet)
A wide open race in which we have gone for two angles. One who fits all of the trends and one who bucks them all completely but could be a surprise package. The first is from the Mark Johnstone stable who have a rich affiliation with this race having won it 5 times Golden Flame. Draw not ideal but goes in the hands of Derby winning jockey Adam Kirby and we already know from his last race that he will stay and stay some more which should be enough to offset the less than ideal draw. Impeccably bred and was a comfortable all the way winner over this trip last time out who may just have more to come. The other of our selections Dirham Emirati has a great draw and could improve markedly for this step up in trip. Was very keen and green last time out in only his 3rd race and can be forgiven that run which came under a penalty at Thirsk. Its an outside shot but has the speed to go and get a good position early and enough in the breeding to suggest that he could stay on too. Will need to settle and has an outsiders chance here.
15:40 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Duke Of Cambridge Stakes
Fooraat (0.5pt EW 33/1 4 places PP)
Highly tried as a 2 year old following 2 novice wins at the start of her career. Was given some time after that and came out a good second to Lavender Blue on reappearance from a 192 day break. She just ran out of steam that day having done all of the early work but showed a great attitude and also that she is still improving. Has been freshened up again for this and Roger Varian should have her spot on for a tilt here today. This sister to Benbatl, himself a Royal Ascot winner only has 6 career starts and could be open to plenty of progression improving with time just as he did.
17:00 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Royal Hunt Cup
Maydanny (0.5pt EW 16/1 8 places SkyBet)
Returns for another tilt at this for last years winning trainer Mark Johnstone having been lumbered with an impossible draw in last years running. That said he did manage to lead home the far side runners and won the race in his group pretty well. Comes here much higher in the weights but gets the draw needed to be up there at the business end today. Made a very pleasing reappearance at Newmarket last time out and proved that he can be competitive from this mark so is well worth another try here. We have edged our bets and gone for the very generous offer of 8 places at SkyBet and we are pretty certain that he can grab at least one of those spots but more than optimistic that he can run this field into the ground with his speed and stamina dropping back to the mile.
17:35 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Windsor Castle Stakes
Dig Too (1pt win only 15/2) + Guilded (0.5pt EW 66/1 6 places SkyBet)
Dig Too has comfortable wins under his belt already at 5f on good to firm and 6f on the AW so already proving to be pretty versatile. Has speed and stamina to see off rivals late on and is draw well. Cotai colts are renowned for 2 year old success so that gives us the confidence for a punt at what look fair odds. Our other selection Guilded is also drawn well but has not quite reached the successes of Dig Too. That said however there was marked improvement switching to the 5f trip last time out and has a fillies allowance that is worth 5lb today. Will need to progress again but as with all Karl Burke horses that can be expected. A lively outsider.
18:10 Ascot 16 Jun 2021
Kensington Palace Stakes
Apricot Moon (0.5pt EW 33/1 5 places various)
Unable to make an impact on debut for new yard having undergone wind surgery. Tongue strap has been applied here today too for the first time and a bigger run can hopefully be expected for this up and coming yard. That latest run came off the back of a 165 day lay off too so there could be some benefit shown for that run too. Has a bit more to prove than some of these but has the ability should she choose to use it.
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