Day 2 is already here at Royal Ascot, with dual Cox Plate winner So You Think the headline act in London today.
But can he hold off the challenge of Carlton House, owned by Queen Elizabeth II? And can he make amends for his shock defeat at short odds last year?
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Just Horse Racing’s Andrew Hawkins has looked at the six races and has given his thoughts on today’s card:
Race 1 – GROUP 3 JERSEY STAKES (7f/1400m)
What an incredibly open race to begin Day 2 at Royal Ascot. 26 runners (well, 23 after scratchings) down the straight, it will be a great contest. Interestingly, it looked as though horses on the pace were well suited yesterday. This race should give us an insight into whether this will be a pattern again today. As I’ve said already, it’s very open – not really sure which way to go here so will be looking for value. I think the filly ISHVANA could go alright. I liked her run in the Irish 1000 Guineas and she should be handy. Good value too. SENTARIL is unbeaten and has won her two starts in impressive fashion. But it is a big step up for her and so I think she needs to be treated with caution. VALBCHEK also looks a good type, while I could see REDACT running a race at odds – depending on which Redact turns up. Competitive!
24 – ISHVANA
26 – SENTARIL
23 – VALBCHEK
15 – REDACT
Race 2 – GROUP 2 WINDSOR FOREST STAKES (1m/1600m)
Good race here which does look a match race between the top two – Group 1 winners EMULOUS and NAHRAIN. It’s just a question of who to back. For me, I’m going to go with Nahrain just ahead of Emulous, because I think she has the scope for improvement. But it’s always great to see the legendary Dermot Weld get a winner at Royal Ascot, so Emulous wouldn’t be a bad result! Outside of the top two it is tough. I was keen on LAY TIME at Epsom but she disappointed me. Nevertheless, on scope, I’m including her again. And once again, parochialism is rearing its ugly head with me including the Myer Classic placegetter and Scone Cup winner DYSPHONIA in my selections (because we all know that the Scone Cup is the perfect form race for Royal Ascot). But seriously, I think she has a chance of running top four based on her last couple for Godolphin in much easier company.
2 – NAHRAIN
1 – EMULOUS
12 – LAY TIME
8 – DYSPHONIA
Race 3 – GROUP 1 PRINCE OF WALES STAKES (1m 2f/2000m)
Anyone who knows my back story knows that I cannot possibly tip against SO YOU THINK. His form looks superior to most of this field, and I am hoping to see him avenge his narrow defeat by Rewilding last year. He comes in off a good win in Ireland last start, and if you rule a line through his two non-turf runs he looks incredibly difficult to beat. Go the expat!!! I do think CARLTON HOUSE is a danger, if there is any. He is at his best at the 10 furlongs and he’s going to be a god middle distance horse. He will also be the sentimental favourite as he is owned by Her Majesty The Queen, with a royal victory very much a desire during the Diamond Jubilee. PLANTEUR did finish ahead of So You Think in Dubai but I think So You Think has the advantage on a turf track. Good place bet though. And I liked the run of CITY STYLE in Dubai, he was a late scratching in Singapore but I think he is the forgotten horse here. But here’s hoping for a (semi-)Aussie victory in the Prince of Wales – 12 months later than expected.
9 – SO YOU THINK
2 – CARLTON HOUSE
6 – PLANTEUR
3 – CITY STYLE
Race 4 – ROYAL HUNT CUP (1m/1600m)
Always one of the highlights of the meeting, it is a mile handicap down the straight usually featuring a big field – and lots of value. This year is no exception, with 30 runners set to battle down that famous course. Therefore, we may as well hunt for the big priced horses likely to get into the money. I think EDINBURGH KNIGHT could be the one. He may come into favouritism later in the day but he’s currently just behind the favourites. He was good at his seasonal reappearance back in March, and I think he seems to really relish being fresh. I like him and reckon he’s the one to beat. At odds, perhaps the big value is EXCELLENT GUEST, who is very enigmatic but looks well suited down in the weights. BOOM AND BUST is lightly raced but has matched every challenge thrown at him, while CAI SHEN has been in good form and should go well in this type of race. But it is a true lottery.
5 – EDINBURGH KNIGHT
23 – EXCELLENT GUEST
12 – BOOM AND BUST
4 – CAI SHEN
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Race 5 – GROUP 2 QUEEN MARY STAKES (5f/1000m)
I’m not a fan of punting in these two year old affairs. There is so little exposed form that the market is the best lead for how a horse will run. I’m going to put SATSUMA on top from UPWARD SPIRAL, JUBILEE DIAMOND and HOYAM – but it is difficult to make a case for any horse in this race convincingly. It’s just a matter of trusting the market – and trusting your instincts.
22 – SATSUMA
27 – UPWARD SPIRAL
12 – JUBILEE DIAMOND
9 – HOYAM
Race 6 – LISTED SANDRINGHAM HANDICAP (1m/1600m)
Very tough race to end off the day. I like DEVOTION to make it a big day for Aidan O’Brien. She was poor in the Epsom Oaks when she probably didn’t stay and she should appreciate coming back in trip. DUNTLE, also across from Ireland, is another chance. She won her second start by 18 lengths at Dundalk, and looks to have plenty of scope. Godolphin’s FALLS OF LORA mixes her form but on her best, while KINETICA looks the intriguing runner. Tough race!
2 – DEVOTION
5 – DUNTLE
4 – FALLS OF LORA
9 – KINETICA
Tomorrow…can Fame and Glory make it two Gold Cups? Or can Opinion Poll turn the tables?
