Royal Ascot Day One

Short and sweet this week as I have booked myself a holiday in sunny Spain (where it just started raining), but I will try to give you something (if not much) each day!

It’s Royal Ascot, the best racing in the Flat of the entire season, but common sense suggests we limit our bets in the hope of walking away with a profit. First up, I am happy enough to suggest a sensible (small) each way bet on Carl Spackler in the opener at 2.30pm. Now in the hands of Australian trainer Ciaron Maher, he was last seen winning over a mile at Keeneland for Chad Brown, but he has changed hands since and will head down under via Berkshire – a first as far as I know. Gauging his form compared to the likes of Rosallion is frankly impossible, but he is seen as the top turf miler by some way, and after impressing in his work at Newmarket last week where those in attendance were very impressed, the 16/1 looks too tempting to ignore, and I will be having an each way pint at that price which seems over the top.      

Each Way Carl Spackler 2.30pm Royal Ascot

Gstaad is the pick of jockey Ryan Moore ahead of the Coventry Stakes and the once raced winner could be anything, but his price reflects trainer Aidan O’Brien’s record in this race of three winners in the last 10 years, and Postponed is preferred. Bought by Wathnan Racing for 270,000gns as a yearling, he made his debut at Yarmouth when sent clear for an easy five length victory in a decent time, despite missing the start. If he improves and learns as expected then he could go on to be something way above average, and the truth is, this does not look a vintage renewal and he may prove more than good enough following some sparkling recent work.

Win Postponed 3.05pm Royal Ascot

Australian raider Asfoora won this race last year for trainer Henry Dwyer, and if the blinkers have the desired effect, then she could well follow up getting weight from her male rivals. A winner at Morphettville in April, the six-year-old failed to sparkle at the same track in the Robert Sangster Stakes when only seventh, but this has been her target for some time and she will be spot on now. It would be naïve more than patriotic to think our sprinters are as good as those in other countries because frankly they are not (Ka Ying Rising anyone?), and if she is at her best, and gets a clear run, she can finish fast and late to come home in front.

Win Asfoora 3.40pm Royal Ascot