{mos_sb_discuss:2}
Royal Ascot gets under way with the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at 2.35. There are 5 runners that I have featured in these pages already this season. Captain Marvellous, Joburg, Prince Golan, Major Cadeaux and Tudor Prince. Of these the most likely look to be Major Cadeaux, who beat Joburg at Newbury last month and Prince Golan, a winner at Ripon on his 2nd outing. This is not a race where have any particularly strong views.
I know nothing about the Aussie raiders in the Kings Stand at 3.10 so I will concentrate on the home contenders. There has been a big gamble on La Cucharacha (what does that mean in English by the way?). She looks the one to beat. There are 4 runners from our list to follow. Moss Vale, Tax Free, Benbaun and Reverence. Moss Vale has already won twice this season and Kieren Fallon again has the ride. There is a feeling that he is better in small fields but he was 3rd in this race last season and is one for the shortlist. Reverence has a super strike rate and was mightily impressive when winning the Temple Stakes last time at Sandown. Benbaun and Tax Free were 2nd and 3rd respectively behind Moss Vale at Chantilly. Benbaun in particular will appreciate the fast ground. Tax Free is possibly better at 6 furlongs. Our only list runner in the 3.50 is Yasoodd. He won a Group 3 in Ireland at the start of the season but seems held on the form book in this.
The Queen Anne Stakes at 4.25 looks like being one of the highlights of the day. Peeress won the Lockinge over this trip and had Court Masterpiece back in 3rd that day. Peeress has won 7 of her 13 starts and seems to handle any ground. She is certainly respected but fillies have quite a poor record in this event. Court Masterpiece is probably better at 7 furlongs and the main danger to Peeress seems likely to come from Proclamation. He showed quiet a turn of foot when accounting for Soviet Song in the Sussex Stakes last season and a repeat of that performance will make him hard to beat. He is by the way a full brother to the hurdler No Refuge.
Races like the Ascot Stakes (4.55) are not really among my favourites. The only runner From our list to follow is Elusive Dream, second here in a handicap over 2 miles on his last start. For followers of the World Cup Football Crazy and Prins Willem (runs in the same colours as the Dutch team) might be fun bets.
Richard Hannon’s Dazed and Amazed and the unbeaten Espartano have possibilities in the 5.30.
Elsewhere the speedy Inflight could go close in the 7.05 at Brighton.
At Thirsk Banjo Patterson represents the list to follow in the 2.55. He has been largely disappointing this season. He was however 4th last time out and the 5thy has won since.
In the 3.30 I quite fancy Grayt Big Stuff to step on on earlier efforts over this longer trip. There are a couple of newcomers worth noting. Centenary is a half brother to a horse that won over this trip as a juvenile, while Mick Channon sends My Monna up north and this one also looks a likely type on breeding.
If Confide takes his place in the line up for the 5.45 I would give him at least an each way chance.
Good luck
ahorse 