Day 2 of the Royal meeting opens with the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at 2.30 where I quite like the chances of Calming Influence. The Godolphin colt needs to step on his previous runs but this is only his 3rd start so further improvement is on the cards. He won a listed race at Newmarket last month, beating Free Handicap winner Stimulation, who had the benefit of a previous run. Stimulation is again in opposition and is a tough sort who should not be ignored. Of the rest Royal Confidence was behind Stimulation in the Free Handicap and is worse off at the weights. Beacon Lodge has been disappointing this season but Jupiter Pluvius might be worth a look. He was well fancied for classic success at the start of the season but suffered a training setback. Although he could only finish 4th of 5 in the Irish 2,000 Guineas he could well come on a good deal for that run. I will stick with Calming Influence although I certainly wouldn’t rule out Jupiter Pluvius.
The Prince of Wales Stakes at 3.45 looks to be between Duke of Marmalade, Literato, Ask, Phoenix Tower and Pipedreamer. Duke of Marmalade is the obvious choice as he is a dual Group 1 winner and was a neck second in this race last year. He is the most likely winner but is a short price. Literato would be a serious contender on his form last season when he won the Champion Stakes and was runner up in the French Derby. His form this season has not been up to much but it would not be such a big surprise if he returned to form here. More of a concern might be the ground as he probably would not want it too firm. Last season’s Cambridgeshire winner Pipedreamer has run with credit in a couple of Group 3 races this season. He handles the ground but he will need to step up on previous from to win this.
Phoenix Tower narrowly beat Pipedreamer at Newmarket and then lost his unbeaten record when 2nd in the Lockinge. Ask is a high class colt but he has never won in a field of more than 8 runners and there is a suspicion that he might be best over further. Gun to head time I would have to say that Duke of Marmalade has the best form but his price is too short. Phoenix Tower could go well, at a better price while Literato is over proved at 20/1.
The Royal Hunt Cup ought to go to the very well handicapped Bankable who has more ticks than boxes. He is going to go off at a very skinny price in such a competitive handicap and any value has gone. Lang Shining has claims on the basis of his win in the Newbury Spring Mile, but that was on soft ground. If he handles the ground he would be a major contender. Oceana Gold will handle the fast ground and comes from an in form stable. Docofthebay was runner up to Pipedreamer in the Cambridgeshire only getting 4 lbs and the winner is now competing at Group class. He acts on the ground and has a good draw. Another well drawn is Diamond Tycoon who has only had 6 runs. When he won his maiden last season he had Lucano and Pipedreamer behind. Dream Lodge is something of a favourite of mine. His last run at Epsom can be ignored as he lost a shoe but more of a concern could be the going. Crocodile Bay won a 4 runner race at Beverley earlier in the season but doesn’t look good enough in this company. We’ll Come has only been out of the first 4 once in his career and has consistent form in big field handicaps.
In summary Bankable would have to be the most likely winner. We’ll Come could easily make the frame while at 25/1 Oceana Gold is over priced.
There are 3 runners from our list to follow in the 5.30. Cruel Sea is preferred to Amanjena and Tathkaar.
At Kempton Albarouche and Basanti are the two that make the most appeal in the 6.45, while Martyr looks reasonably handicapped in the 7.15.
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 