Get set for Day 2 of Royal Ascot where we see the champion Filly Love make her seasonal debut in the feature race; the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes.
We preview all 7 races of the Royal Meeting here.
Race 1: Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2)
This race will be over in the blink of an eye as 21 Fillies take on the flying 5 furlongs of the Ascot straight. As is customary Wesley Ward has the favourite with Twilight Gleaming. She could be one of the best the American trainer has sent to Royal Ascot but she is short enough in the betting to look for an alternative.
Mas Poder is the selection. She was an eye catcher when 4th at Ascot last month and that experience should put her in top condition for this race.
Race 2: Queen’s Vase (Group 2)
7 of the last 14 running’s have been won by Aidan O’Brien and Wordsworth can make that 8 and match the training achievements of the late great Sir Henry Cecil. He looks like he is ready made for this sort of race and would be a surprise to see him not involved in the finish.
The other one to look at is Benaud trained by Aidan’s son Joseph. He will be experiencing half a mile further than he has raced before but the style of his latest success suggests he will relish the extra distance.
Race 3: Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2)
This looks very competitive. Lady Bowthorpe and Queen Power have very similar form and are the most likely winners. Should they not then its worth taking a chance with Agincourt. She is inconsistent but ran well last seen and was only beaten a head in this race last year. This looks a weaker renewal.
Race 4: Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1)
The feature race of the day and it looks like one of the Aidan O’Brien pair will win. That should be Love who was a superstar last year. The only worry is she has been off the track 300 days so she could be a bit short on fitness.
Race 5: Royal Hunt Cup
30 runners go to post with Astro King the likely favourite for Sir Michael Stoute. He looks very well handicapped, will love the ground and the distance.
An outsider to note is Escobar. A regular in this sort of race he was a close 3rd over course and distance earlier in the year. He also has winning Ascot form and looks a massive price.
Race 6: Windsor Castle Stakes
27 runners and a short price favourite in Ruthin. Maybe she’s a superstar but she looks way to short to bet. Kaboo has been well supported so is clearly showing a lot of ability at home but this is a very tough race to make your debut in.
Preference is for Amalfi Coast. He steps back in trip after winning at Cork which should benefit – they will go very fast and not many will be staying on better near the finish.
Race 7: Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap)
A tough race to end the day. If Beat Le Bonruns well in the Royal Hunt Cup then get on Stunning Beauty who beat Beat Le Bon last time out. Away from the Godolphin runner, Dalanijulo could be worth a bet each way. She won well in a weaker race last time but has good form including a 3rd at the end of last year where the winner has gone on to be a multiple Group winner.
