Royal Ascot Day 1 Preview

All of a sudden the best 5 days of the Flat season are upon us. It doesn't seem that long ago since we were talking about "Who's going to win the Guineas?", and now the question being asked is "Which piece of Guineas form is the strongest?". That is most certainly the theme of Day 1 with a scintilating St James's Palace Stakes amongst the features.
In this preview I will cover every race and hopefully try and find a few winners!


2.30 - Queen Anne Stakes (1m - 13 run)

Animal Kingdom - Can he do it?

What a way to start the meeting with many people's banker of the week Animal Kingdom taking on the Europeans in an intriguing race. There is no doubting his achievments so far for sure, a Kentucky Derby winner and most recently a Dubai World Cup winner in March. He has racked up more prize money in Sterling than is available at the whole of this meeting, which is astonishing. However, many think he is vulnerable and I'm in that band I think. A straight mile in England is vastly different to anything he's ever faced before and that could be his downfall. The backers will say he is just too good for these and will be able to cope with conditions. I wouldn't be backing or laying him at odds on as there are so many unknown factors that could swing either way. I think the bet in the race is Trade Storm for David Simcock and Jamie Spencer. Jamie wasn't at his finest when he was fourth last time out in Meydan behind Sajjhaa but had previously won two more races in Dubai. He will be held up here behind a likely strong pace and should be able to figure at a double figure price. Declaration of War is a very short price considering his flop in the Lockinge at Newbury where he was behind two of today's rivals. Elusive Kate should run well with the fillies allowance but this is her seasonal debut and she may find life slightly tougher.

3.05 King Stand Stakes (5f - 19 run)

Another big day in the sun for Sole Power?

A very good looking King's Stand Stakes which will be run in about a minute, so it'll be fast and furious. Lots of pace angles here with the likes of Bungle Inthejungle, Reckless Abandon, Hoyam and Heeraat all liking to get on with it, but they are all drawn middle to high (stands side). Reckless Abandon will be most likely of those to be involved in the latter stages, but it is very hard for a three year old to win a race such as this despite the weight for age allowance. Shea Shea is the short priced favourite after some awesome displays in Dubai, including breaking the track record when winning the Al Quoz Sprint on World Cup night. However, he is very short on his English debut and he could be drawn on the wrong side as well. Shamexpress is yet another Australian raider to try his hand at Royal Ascot sprints following on from Takeover Target, Choisir and Black Caviar. I do think that there are two solid each way bets, Sole Power and Pearl Secret. Both are drawn high and have a naturally high cruising speed. Sole Power has a proven record in Grade 1's and is very consistent. If there is lots of pace on, he will definitely be bang there come the end of the race. Pearl Secret has been a horse I've eagerly waited for since he ran in the Nunthorpe last summer. He is a big bold chestnut with a really exciting year in front of him. Trainer David Barron sticks to his statement last season where he said that this "could be the best he's trained". Medician Man and Swiss Spirit could also go well but I'll stick to Sole Power and Pearl Secret.

3.45 St James's Palace Stakes (1m - 9 run)

Can Magician cast a spell on his rivals?

Three words, what a race. Dawn Approach vs Toronado round 2, plus Magician, Mars and Glory Awaits. Mouthwatering isn't it? 
Dawn Approach was so visually disappointing at Epsom in the Derby, that everyone has to have a few reservations about him reappearing only 17 days afterwards, especially as trainer Jim Bolger said straight after the race they'd go "easy on him for a while". It appears as though he has been flying at home for them to consider running here, so that must be a positive. I'm unsure and for that reason alone, can't be taking 5/4 about him. Toronado however I think is the value. He was alongside Dawn Approach travelling equally as well with two furlongs to run before fading and finshing "legless tired" at the end according to Richard Hughes who says he is back to his best at home. At 7/2, I think he could be worth a small win bet. Magician was awesome in the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh and looks to hold a big chance as well. Stablemate Mars is a horse I fancy for the St Leger, and I'm surprised to see him drop half a mile back in trip. Glory Awaits can't be underestimated but I suspect he only has small place claims.

4.25 Coventry Stakes (6f - 16 run)

Stubbs winning well at Naas

This race last year was won by Dawn Approach, who won the Guineas so it could be the first big trial for next Spring. Stubbs is the favourite for Aiden and Joseph O'Brien and looks to be a really exciting horse for sure. The Coolmore operation have a couple of others with chances in the shape of Sir John Hawkins and War Command. I don't think there is a bet for me in this race, maybe a small each way tickle on Southwell winner Dubawi Fun, who quickened away nicely.

5.00 Ascot Stakes (2m4f - 20 run)

Will George be smiling after this?

A long distance handicap which tests both jockey and horse to the max. Junior is a past winner of this race and Tony Hamilton will be trying to send him from the front to make every single yard again. Well Sharp was a very easy winner in pouring rain at York last time and will be feared by all here if turning up in the same sort of form. Midnight Oil is the mount of Richard Hughes for the Willie Mullins yard, who won this last year with Simenon. He would have a chance too on his best form. I like two in this race, Lieutenant Miller but more so Apache. Lieutenant Miller won nicely at Doncaster last time out and is progressing steadily with every run. If he stays the trip here, a big run will be guaranteed as trainer Nicky Henderson has won this before with Veiled. The other I mentioned, Apache, is a horse I've been following eagerly since he's moved to Jane Chapple Hyam because I think there is big handicaps in this gelding. He ran a really eye catching race last time at Haydock, staying on steadily in the home straight. The trip is the big question mark but you have to give it a go and at 33/1, I will be backing him.

5.35 Windsor Castle Stakes (5f - 28 run)

Ogermeister winning at Belmont Park

A very competitive race in which I don't have a strong view. Ogermeister represents Wesley Ward who has had winners here before. I quite like Anticipated who won here last time out and represents Hannon and Hughes. If you nailed me to one though, it'd be Andhesontherun for Roger Varian, who I was taken with on debut at Leicester before running into a good one at Sandown last time out.

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Enjoy the wonderful action.
Will