Royal Ascot Day Two Thoughts

No chit chat (no time) and on to my three races for Wednesday.

It never gets any easier at Royal Ascot but if we want top quality racing and decent prize money, then we all have to accept it is going to be competitive. The Queen Mary Stakes over five furlongs that kick starts today is a prime example, and the more you look the tougher it gets! I can see why Zailana heads the market after Karl Burke’s Mehmas filly won unchallenged at Nottingham, part justifying her £650,000 breeze-ups price tag, but 7/4 – do me a favour, in a 25 runner field (as I write), that is pure madness. At 10/1 or bigger, I prefer the each way chances of Staya who I tipped before her debut at Yarmouth last month which she won easily at 7/2. Unlike some coming off the all-weather she has proved her ability to handle the turf and the good to firm going expected here. Were the daughter of Havana Grey in a more fashionable yard than George Scott I suspect she would be shorter than that, in which case we are already talking value – now all we need is a bit of luck.  

Staya each way 2.30pm Royal Ascot

The Queen’;s Vase over a mile and three-quarters looks as interesting as they get today, and I am happy to nominate Carmers as my bet here, as he arrives unbeaten for trainer Paddy Twomey. An unfancied 10/1 chance on debut at Ballinrobe he still won by a length and three-quarters over the 13 furlongs before stepping up to Listed class at Navan. All the rage that day, he led two out to come home three lengths clear, after which this was nominated as his next target. He looks the sort to keep a little back for himself so I have no doubt whatsoever we are yet to see the very best of him, and with the quicker ground in his favour I really like him here. Immaculately bred and in the hands of a more than capable trainer, I think he has as good a chance as any all week.   

Carmers to win 3.05pm Royal Ascot

I am a big fan of Los Angeles and I have even tipped him up for this antepost but he is 2/1 now and the value has gone. He is a tough nut to crack once he gets to the front with a helping hand from Ryan Moore of course, but at 5/1 I just think Map Of Stars could be the one to be on each way as a bet to nothing if he hits the top three. Trained in France by Francis-Henri Graffard, I get the feeling British bookmakers are underrating his neck second to Sosie in April. The winner has taken six of his nine starts including three Group Ones the latest in May when he won the Prix d’Ispahan by an easy length, and as I believe a fast run race will suit him ideally, he could surprise them all with a win for jockey James Doyle in the Wathnan Racing colours.    

Map Of Stars each way 4.20pm Ascot