Royal Ascot gets underway with a tremendous clash of champions in the 2.30 with Paco Boy, Rip Van Winkle and Goldikova all truly top class. Rip Van Winkle would appear to hold Paco Boy on their running together last season. He is however having his first run of the season so peak fitness could be an issue. Goldikova is a winner of 8 Group 1 races, has already proved her well being with a winning run this season and handles any ground. She does seem the likely winner.
Our old friend Borderlescott runs in the King’s Stand at 3.05 and is such a consistent performer he certainly can’t be ruled out. Amour Propre has been a little disappointing since winning the Palace House Stakes last May although there have been feasible excuses for some of his defeats. He would have a chance if returning to his best and the same could be said of Total Gallery. Mister Manannan does not look quiet up to Group 1 class having been beaten when running at a lower level recently. The one I fancy here though is Kingsgate Native who put in a power packed display when winning at Haydock last month. If he turns up at Ascot in that sort of form he will be hard to beat.
Canford Cliffs impressed me when winning the Irish 2,000 guineas and I fancy his to get the better of his conqueror in the English Guineas, Makfi, this time. I would also suggest a saver on Steinbeck who has only had 3 career runs and could be open to plenty of improvement.
The 4.25 looks a strong race with 6 of the 13 runners unbeaten. Strong Suit has been my preference for this race since his win at Newbury in May and I am happy to stick with him.
I don’t have a particularly strong view on the final 2 races but Junior (5.00) and Metropolitan Man (5.35) looks to have fair chances .
My only selection away from Ascot is Luck of the Draw in the Brighton 8.00.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn.
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