Day 2 of Royal Ascot and a cracking renewal of the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes is the highlight.
2.30 ROYAL ASCOT – MIDNIGHT AFFAIR
MIDNIGHT AFFAIR caught many an eye on debut when stopped in her run and having to give second best to Albany fancy Soprano. She built in that to win the Hilary Needler at Beverley despite still being green and with any amount of improvement to come and connections landing the race twelve months ago (jockey/owner), she rates the pick. She is also well drawn with recent trends suggesting a middle to high draw s advantageous in a Queen Mary. There are any amount of dangers in the field, but I was taken with Got To Love A Grey’s win in the Marygate at York.
3.05 ROYAL ASCOT – YERWANTHERE
Joseph O’Brien saddles three in his quest to win the Kensington Palace Filles’ Handicap, but it’s the lightly raced YERWANTHERE who appeals most. Two wins last year promised plenty, and she got no luck at all in a listed contest at Naas a month ago. A mark of 93 maybe lenient on just her fourth start and with James McDonald booked to ride form stall 10 on the round course, all looks in place for a big run.
Frankie Dettori rides likely favourite Tamarama after her Kempton win a fortnight ago, but stall 19 isn’t ideal for her chances.
3.40 ROYAL ASCOT – PROSEROUS VOYAGE
PROSPEROUS VOYAGE lowered Inspiral’s colours in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket last July meeting and got back to winning ways under an inspired Frankie Dettori at Epsom at the beginning of the month. She may have needed her seasonal return and soft ground may not have suited either. She is a bona fide Group 1 mare in a Group 2 without penalties with the remaining runners yet to rove they are up to this level. Strictly on terms, Random Harvest is weighted to turn Epsom form around with the selection and is a huge price, but I’d be surprised if that is the case, but she maybe one for each way players.
4.20 ROYAL ASCOT – NO BET
What a race. Only six runners but stacked on quality.
Just half a length separated Bay Bridge, Adayar and My Prospero in last year’s Champion Stakes while the same margin was the difference between Luxembourg and Bay Bridge in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month. Strictly there is little to choose between the four of them on the formbook with just the 2lb between them on official figures.
It is too tight to call with tactics all important, and I am to watch and enjoy what could be a spectacular contest.
5.00 ROYAL ASCOT – PEROTTO & ASTRO KING
A myriad of chances in an ultra competitive Royal Hunt Cup as expected.
Ouzo is too consistent for his own good but looks sure to run his race again from a stands side pitch while Wanees is just 4lb higher than when a good sixth in the Britannia here last year. Atrium has cost us a few quid this year but seems to have his conditions again and is just 1lb above his last win at Doncaster so could tempt some in again.
I think a couple of market leaders could fight this out though. PEROTTO hasn’t escaped punter’s gaze here after an eye catching seventh on return in the Victoria Cup ere last month. He won the Britannia Stakes here in 2021off a 3lb higher mark and will be having just his second run for Roger Varian. Stall 30 up the stands side maybe the place to be.
ASTRO KING also caught many an eye at York under Betfred ambassador Richard Kingscote when running on late for fourth. He has been placed in the last 2 renewals, 3lb lower than when fourth twelve months ago and off the same mark as when second in 2021. This looks to have been the target for new connections and a middle draw in 12 gives Richard Kingscote options.
5.35 ROYAL ASCOT – CIRCLE OF FIRE
Nothing gets people more excited than a Royal winner at Royal Ascot and CIRCLE OF FIRE has a real chance of giving the crowd what they desire in the Queen’s Vase.
This is also a trial for the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster in September and CIRCLE OF FIRE ran solid races in Derby trials on his first two starts this season. The all-weather track at Lingfield did not suit and he wasn’t knocked about once the chance had gone, running on strongly for third. He is stoutly bred so looks sure to stay and stall 5 could be an advantage with a short run to the first bend.
Gregory will be all the rage after his easy Listed win at Goodwood and with Frankie on board, but he is a short enough price on his two starts in a good looking field despite his rating giving him a few pounds in hand. Chesspiece won nicely at York and wasn’t stopping suggesting the step up in trip will also suit. That came after a solid third at Newbury and he could have a part to play.
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