We reach Day 4 of Royal Ascot where all eyes will be on Novemba as she looks to claim a rare Royal Ascot success for Germany in the Coronation Stakes. We preview this and all the other races at Royal Ascot today.
Race 1: Albany Stakes (Group 3)
All of these have winning form but none did it as impressively as Flotus at Goodwood last month. It’s difficult to see how strong that form is so at the short price, there’s probably a better bet in the race.
That could be Oscula, the most experienced of the runners in the line-up. She was an easy winner at Epsom and though she will certainly need to improve, she’s the highest rated runner in the race and should place at worse.
Race 2: King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
Not many of these will like the soft ground but one who should is Belloccio. He has yet to fire this season, finishing down the field in the Dante on his last run. He gets his conditions today and can return to winning ways.
The Mediterranean would have been a strong pick if it wasn’t for the rain. He has only once seen these conditions; when he made his debut where he finished down the field. He’s a better horse now but the ground is a major worry.
Race 3: Commonwealth Cup (Group 1)
Suesa ticks a lot of boxes and is the most likely winner. She will handle to soft ground, is unbeaten and could be a superstar. Another who shouldn’t be troubled by the ground is A Case Of You. He’ll need to improve to win but looks a solid each way bet.
Race 4: Coronation Stakes (Group 1)
This doesn’t look the strongest renewal and it can be a win for Germany with Novemba. The worry would be the ground but that is the same for all of them.
Of the others Mother Earth should be there or there abouts. An excellent winner of the English 1000 Guineas she was then 2nd in the French version encountering conditions very similar to today.
Race 5: Sandringham Stakes (Handicap)
All the money has been for Create Belief and its easy to see why. The more rain the better and there has been a lot of it!
Professional Widow is one to look at and is a massive price. Jockey Hayley Turner has a good big race success from only a few opportunities and is on a horse with ability. She’ll have to improve but the big field could play to her strengths.
Race 6: Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap)
Sam Cooke is a lightly raced 5-year-old who looked a Group horse in his early days. Things haven’t gone right for him over the past 2 seasons but that can all change today. He’s getting weight from every runner, should appreciate the ground and has the ability.
Scarlett Dragon needs respect. He won the race last year, is off a lower handicap mark and can bounce back to form. Do not dismiss his chances!
Race 7: Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Handicap)
Dream Composer can land the last race of the day. He has the excellent Laura Pearson riding and should handle conditions. A place is expected, hopefully 1st!
Equality is the other. He’s lightly raced, bolted up last time and could be wel handicapped. The form of his easy success isn’t great, but he couldn’t won any easier.
