Saturday’s Racing at Royal Ascot
June 21, 2008
SATURDAY’S RACING AT ROYAL ASCOT - 21st June
2:30 Chesham Stakes, Listed, 2yo, 7f
A race for home-based, fancied runners, with only one Irish win since 1978 and 18 of the last 19 winners starting at 8/1 or shorter. Mark Johnston has won the Chesham 3 times in the last 10 runnings and relies on the once-raced Pegasus Lad who ran with promise to be 3rd in a recent Hamilton maiden, keeping on well in the closing stages over 6f. He should be suited by the step up in trip and seems certain to be well fancied (7.8/1 with Betfair). There are only 2 previous turf winners in the field of 12, Richard Hannon’s Free Agent, the likely favourite (2/1 with Betfair) and George Margarson’s Imperial Guest (7.8/1 with the same firm. Newcomer Swindler, from Andrew Balding’s yard, is by Derby and Arc winner Sinndar out of a Darshaan mare, and while likely to need further in time, in worth close examination in the betting (4.6/1 with Betfair).
3:05 Hardwick Stakes, Group 2, 4yo+, 1m 4f
Mark Johnston trained 4 Hardwicke winners between 1999 and 2005, but has no 2008 representative. Sir Michael Stoute’s Maraahel (8.2/1 with Betfair) won in 2006 and 2007, but is now a seven-year-old and no horse over the age of 6 has won the Hardwicke in 30 years. The Irish have only had one winner, but Aidan O’Brien’s Ormonde Stakes winner Macarthur seems likely to start favourite, having very nearly “stolen” the Coronation Cup, from the front, at the Derby meeting (2.15/1 on Betfair).
3:45 Golden Jubilee Stakes, Group 1, 3yo+, 6f
A race for punters to treat win extreme caution. Since 1999, there have been winners at 33/1, 20/1, 16/1 (twice) and 12/1. It has been a happy hunting ground for foreign raiders, with Choisir winning for Australia in 2003 and Cape of Good Hope for Hong Kong (at York). 4/1 favourite with Ladbrokes, Hughie Morrison’s Sakhee’s Secret sets the standard. Aidan O’ Brien has never won, but is represented by US Ranger (7/1 with skybet) and Astronomer Royale (20/1 totesport). Takeover Target is a 6/1 chance to recover the prize for Australia. 2007 winner Soldier’s Tale (20/1 with Ladbrokes) is another to consider.
4:25 Wokingham Stakes, Handicap, 3yo+, 6f
Ascot’s oldest handicap, and probably the season’s most competitive. From 1988 to 2000, the 13 winners ranged in price from 11/1 to 33/1. Subsequently, 3 favourites have obliged. This is never an easy contest to solve and the 2008 renewal is no exception. However, the week’s results suggest that the horses drawn low to middle have a marked advantage. Marginal market leader is Intrepid Jack, drawn 7, a 9/1 chance with William Hill. His trainer, Hughie Morrison, won with Baltic King in 2006. Other well-fancied runners include Aidan O’Brien’s Abraham Lincoln, drawn 4, and 10/1 with Bet 365. Howard Johnson’s convincing York 6f winner Tombi appeals at 12/1 with William Hill from the number 9 stall.
5:00 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, Handicap, 3yo+, 1m 4f
7 of the last 10 winners have been four or five-year-olds carrying 9 stones +. There has only been one three-year-old winner in the last 20 renewals. Sir Michael Stoute, responsible this time round for Sugar Ray, the mount of Ryan Moore (8/1 with Betfair) and Gulf Express (18.5/1 with Betfair), ridden by Jamie Spencer, has won the race three time in the last decade. Despite a disappointing week for the stable, neither should be discounted.
5:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes, 4yo+, 2m 6f
The longest British flat race, won on 6 consecutive occasions by Brown Jack (1929-1934). The 2006 and 2007 winners, Baddam and Enjoy the Moment both ran in the preceding Tuesday’s Ascot Stakes over 2m 4f. Both attempt a repeat win, Enjoy the Moment having warmed up with a respectable 6th, over 2 miles at Sandown in May (7/1 with Betfair), while Baddam (29/1 with Betfair) again attempts the Ascot Stakes / Queen Alexandra double. Aidan O’ Brien’s Honolulu (2.9/1 with Betfair) has looked less than straightforward on occasions, but his latest form reads well in the light of Geordieland’s Gold Cup performance of Thursday and must be feared. Sir Michael Stoute’s Distinction is a classy individual and cannot be dismissed lightly, even at the age of 9 (5.6/1 with Betfair). Henry Cecil’s Ajaan is unbeaten in two runs this season, but has developed the habit of hanging when in front and is unproven over an extreme trip like this (5.8/1 with Betfair)
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Thursday’s Racing at Royal Ascot
June 18, 2008
THURSDAY’S RACING AT ROYAL ASCOT - 19th June
2:30 Norfolk Stakes, Group 2, 2yo, 5f
The Norfolk has produced some high-class winners over the last decade or so. Peter Chapple-Hyam has won it three times, including with subsequent Irish Guineas victor Turtle Island and 2000 Guineas-placed Dutch Art. Ireland’s sole victory since 1985 was with Aidan O’Brien’s Johannesburg, who went on to win the Breeder’s Cup juvenile. Definitely a race in which to follow the market, with 11 of the last 15 winners starting at 5/1 or less. Chapple-Hyam is represented by Skid Solo, likely to be a big outsider (28/1 with Betfair). However, given his trainer’s record in the race, he should not be completely dismissed. John Best runs 3, and following his 100/1 success in Tuesday’s Windsor Castle Stakes, might be worth keeping on the right side. The market is likely to be dominated by Richard Hannon’s impressive Newmarket scorer Prolific (5.2/1 with Betfair). South Central, from Howard Johnson’s yard, won a 5f Carlisle maiden by an eased-down 13l at the beginning of the month and could be anything (3.9/1 with Betfair). Mick Channon’s Moss Likely is due to make a quick reappearance following an unplaced run on Tuesday (13.5/1 with Betfair).
3:05 Ribblesdale Stakes, Group 2, 3yo fillies, 1m 4f
Royal Ascot’s equivalent of Epsom’s Oaks, but with less than a fortnight between the two events, the record of Epsom runners is poor. 15 of the last 20 winners did not run in the Oaks, those that did finishing 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 16th. 5 of the last 8 winners have ranged from 10/1 to 25/1. Saeed Bin Suroor has won 3 times in the last 10 renewals but has no 2008 representative. The market seems certain to be dominated by Oaks 6th and 7th, Cape Amber and Michita, respectively 3.6/1 and 3.4/1 with Betfair. John Gosden’s other runner, Da Re Mi is also likely to go well and trades at 5.4/1 with the same firm.
3:45 Ascot Gold Cup, Group 1, 4yo+, 2m 4f
The ultimate test for stayers, the Gold Cup was first run in 1807. Aidan O’Brien’s Yeats (11/8 with William Hill) is seeking a hat-trick in the race and sets the standard. However, Andre Fabre’s Coastal Path (9/4 with Paddy Power) is likely to provide his sternest test to date. Last year’s runner-up, Geordieland (9/1 with skybet) and 4th placed Finalmente (25/1 with Paddy Power) arrive in good form and must be considered, along with Saeed Bin Suroor’s pair of Regal Flush (20/1 with Ladbrokes), ridden by Frankie Dettori and Sagara (18/1 with Bet365).
4:20 Britannia Stakes, Handicap, 3yo, 1m
John Gosden won the Britannia 4 times in 6 years, between 1996 and 2001. He has not had a winner since, but such a remarkable record must be respected. Virtual, his 2008 representative must be kept on the right side. However, 27 of the last 33 winners carried 9 stones or less, and Virtual has 9-3. This is compensated for by Betfair’s offer of 16/1. Sylvester Kirk’s Fathsta makes a quick reappearance after disappointing over 6f at York and should be suited by the return to a longer trip (29/1 with Betfair). Other noteworthy runners are Sir Michael Stoute’s Flawed Genius and Henry Cecil’s Rattan at 7.6/1 and 12.5/1 with Betfair, respectively.
4:55 Hampton Court Stakes, Listed, 3yo, 1m 2f
The six runnings have resulted in 2 wins for Aidan O’Brien, who relies on Derby also-ran King of Rome this time around (4.5/1 with Betfair). Henry Cecil’s Unnefer (7.2/1 with Betfair) and Sir Michael Stoute’s Dr. Faustus (3.7/1 with Betfair) seem likely to go well.
5:30 King George V Stakes, Handicap, 3yo, 1m 4f
Sir Michael Stoute, Geoffrey Wragg and Mark Johnston have each won 4 times. Lightly-raced progressive types tend to do well and the race is a favourite target of Highclere Racing, with 3 winners in recent years. Johnston is doubly represented by Missioner and Drill Sergeant, respectively 9/1 and 27/1 with Betfair, while Stoute relies on Colony, (offered at 7.8/1 with Betdaq).
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Royal Ascot: Skybet Specials
June 18, 2008
skybet have specials galore for this year’s Royal Ascot. From £50000 free bets to free bingo and poker free tournaments. Let’s look at the whopping £50k in free bets up for grabs during Royal Ascot:
Everyday skybet are giving away £10,000 to their customers in free bets. Each hour (on the hour) from noon until 4pm, one lucky customer will have £1000 credited to their account, 10 others will have £100 added. Speed is of the essence as you will only have 60 minutes to place your free bet as it will then expire. To be in with a chance of getting the free bet, simply place a £10 bet on Royal Ascot before noon each day.
Royal Ascot Race Specials
skybet also have specials running on each race, these are as follows:
Race one - Extended place terms - betting to 4 places - Bet with skybet
Race two - Better value odds - compared to other bookmakers - Bet with skybet
Race Three - Better value odds - compared to other bookmakers - Bet with skybet
Race Four - Extended place terms - betting to 5 places - Bet with skybet
Race five - Extended place terms - betting to 4 places - Bet with skybet
Race six - ‘Taking the Mickey’ - 13/8 a winner trained by Michael - Bet with skybet
Free Casino Chips for All
Make a £10 bet on any Royal Ascot Race, and get £20 of free casino chips each day. Simply enter Promo code: ASCOT in the free bets section on the My Account page. Then bet £10 on any 4 out of the 6 daily races. Your free bet will then be credited the following day by 12pm.
Royal Ascot Ladies Day - Free Bingo
To celebrate Ladies Day, skybet are running free to play bingo games throughout Thursday.
If you are looking to place a bet on any of the Royal Ascot races, then be sure to check out these special offers from skybet.
Royal Ascot Betting Wednesday June 18th
June 17, 2008
WEDNESDAY’S RACING AT ROYAL ASCOT - 18th June
2:30 Jersey Stakes, Group 3, 3yo, 7f
Traditionally viewed as an easier option for Guineas “also-rans” but only two Classic challengers have won since 1994. Jeremy Noseda and Sir Michael Stoute have both won the race twice in the last 10 runnings. Stoute is not represented, but Noseda runs Strike The Deal, ridden by Ryan Moore (16.5/1 on Betfair), in a seemingly open race. He failed to stay the mile trip of the 2000 Guineas and should not be completely dismissed. Ireland have only one win since 1975, but Aidan O’Brien’s Jupiter Pluvius is likely to be vying for favouritism (5.6/1 on Betfair). Hughie Morrison’s Stimulation (7.2/1 with Betfair) is expected to go well.
3:05 Windsor Forest Stakes, Group 2, 4yo+ fillies, 1m
As part of a programme aimed at keeping top-class fillies in training at the age of four, this race was first run in 2004. Winning trainers have been James Fanshawe, John Gosden and Sir Michael Stoute (twice). 3 out of 4 winners were four-year-olds (Soviet Song, the 2006 winner was a 6-year-old), and two have been owned by the Cheveley Park Stud. Unfortunately, this year’s renewal looks a little substandard, though the presence of Mick Channon’s Group 1 winner Majestic Roi helps add some class to the event. Stoute must have every chance of improving Cheveley Park’s record in the race, with likely favourite Heaven Sent (2.85/1 with Betfair). Alain De Royer Dupre’s Group-winning French raider Sabana Perdida looks the main danger (4/8/1 with Betfair).
3:45 Prince of Wales’ Stakes, Group 1, 4yo+, 1m 2f
The recent “roll of honour” is befitting of a true championship event. It is a prize for the “home” team, with only two foreign raiders, one each from Ireland and France escaping with the trophy, in the last 25 renewals. Aidan O’Brien must have every chance of breaking his duck as he saddles Duke of Marmalade (7/4 fav with Stan James). Winner of a Longchamp Group 1 contest, on easy ground, on his seasonal reappearance in April, and followed up by beating a rejuvenated Finsceal Beo in the Tattersall’s Gold Cup at the Curragh. May prove to be a 12f horse in time, but seems sure to take all the beating here. Stablemate Red Rock Canyon, a Group 3 performer in his own right, acted as pacemaker at the Curragh, and does so again here.
Challengers worthy of note include Henry Cecil’s Phoenix Tower, a best-priced 5/1 with Paddy Power. A progressive sort, he improved to be runner-up in Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes over a mile. The step up in trip seems sure to suit. Tuesday’s Queen Anne Stakes will give an indication as to the strength of the Newbury form. Multiple previous winning trainer, Saeed Bin Suroor relies on Literato (16/1 with totesport), the mount of Frankie Dettori. Winner of the Group 1 Emirates Airline Champion Stakes last year, his two performances this season have been dire and he is best left alone for the time being. Jeremy Noseda’s Sixties Icon showed a welcome return to form at Goodwood, having been treated for a wind problem which caused him to lose his way in 2007. He should not be dismissed lightly and, at 12/1 with 888sport represents decent each-way value. Sir Michael Stoute relies on Ask, best-priced at 8/1 with Paddy Power. Twice a Group 3 winner, he was only beaten a nose in the Canadian Grade1 International last year. Given his trainer’s Group race record, he has to be on the shortlist here.
4:20 Royal Hunt Cup, Handicap, 3yo+, 1m
A 30-runner “cavalry charge” which remains a firm favourite with punters. The last 48 renewals have been one by 29 four-year-olds, 13 five-year-olds, 5 six-year-olds and a sole seven-year-old. In this period, only 6 winners have carried more than 9 stone. Luca Cumani fields the favourite, in the shape of dual course and distance winner Bankable. He recently won a Goodwood Listed race in the style of a Group horse, and, on paper looks a good thing. However, Listed race form is renowned for not translating to handicaps and at a best-priced 7/4 with Paddy Power, he represents no value, especially as he may find the ground a little on the fast side. Michael Jarvis’ huge colt We’ll Come ran a superb trial on his seasonal reappearance in the 7f Victoria Cup at Ascot. He travelled smoothly throughout, but did not respond instantly when asked for an effort, though continuing to edge closer. His ungainly head carriage is marginally offputting, but at a best-priced 9/1 with Stan James, appears the value bet in the race. With several bookmakers offering each-way terms of 5 places, a moderate investment is thoroughly recommended.
4:55 Queen Mary Stakes, Group 2, 2yo fillies, 5f
This juvenile fillies’ race is not renowned for producing Classic winners, but has proved to be a valuable guide to Group 1 juvenile races later in the season. It has tended to be another “home team” benefit race, though Irish trainers overall modest strike rate has been compensated for by wins for Damson (trained by David Wachman) and Elletelle (Ger Lyons) in the last 4 renewals. Richard Hannon and Mick Channon are the trainers to note, having collected 6 of the last 16 runnings between them. Hannon is doubly represented this time, by Baileys Cacao, the mount of Richard Hughes, (5.4/1 with Betfair) and Rebecca De Winter, interestingly, ridden by Ryan Moore (8.6/1 with Betfair). Channon fields Lucky Leigh with Darryl Holland in the plate (12/1 with Betfair).
5:30 Sandringham Stakes, Listed Handicap, 3yo fillies, 1m
There is little to go on in the way of statistics, as the race has only been in existence since 2002. The six runnings to date have seen six different winning trainers, with David Elsworth, Michael Bell, John Oxx, Michael Jarvis, Ed Dunlop and John Dunlop sending out the winners. The race has been won by progressive types, with three of the six winners enjoying subsequent Group race success. It has also been a race for surprises with the winners’ starting prices being 16/1, 5/1 co-favourite, 9/2, 11/1, 11/1 and 12/1. Michael Jarvis’ Makaaseb seems likely to start favourite (3.3/1 on Betfair) having been a close-up 4th in a York Listed race on her reappearance. The fact that John Joseph Murphy chooses to travel from Ireland with improving maiden Pretty Ballerina is intriguing, especially as she will have to race from 4lb “wrong” in the weights. She has plenty to find at the weights, but is likely to start as a big outsider (currently 24/1 with Betfair) and a “just in case” minimum stake each-way investment seems sensible.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
Royal Ascot Betting - Tuesday’s racing at Ascot
June 16, 2008
TUESDAY’S RACING AT ROYAL ASCOT - 17th June
2:30 Queen Anne Stakes, Group 1, 4yo+, 1m
The Royal Ascot curtain-raiser, along with Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes are the only pair of top-class mile events restricted to 4yo+. Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation has farmed this race in recent years, winning 7 of the last 12 runnings. However, they are unrepresented this year. Since the Queen Anne was upgraded to Group 1 status (2003), two winners have come via the Newbury race, which may again provide the key. Aidan O’Brien runs 3, the pick of which may be Australian Group 1 winner Haradasun (5/1fav with Ladbrokes), who though eventually well beaten in the Lockinge, may well be a different proposition off the likely strong pace. Other Lockinge participants Tariq 3rd, and Cesare 4th, (both 11/2 with Paddy Power) merit consideration. Sir Michael Stoute won the race in successive years from 2000 to 2002, and his Linngari (13/2 with Stan James) despite showing mixed recent form in Dubai would be dangerous to discount. Jim Bolger’s dual 2007 Guineas heroine Finsceal Beo showed a welcome return to form at the Curragh recently and represents each-way value at 8/1 with sportingbet.
3:05 King’s Stand Stakes, Group 1, 3yo+, 5f
Surprisingly, the King’s Stand started life as a 2 mile event. However, in 1860, rain left the track flooded, apart from the home straight. The race was run over 5f and has been ever since. It has taken on something of an Antipodean flavour in recent years, with Australia winning with Choisir in 2003, Takeover Target in 2006 and Miss Andretti last year, when 3 of the first 4 were Australian-trained. For this year’s renewal, the home team have a potent weapon in Jeremy Noseda’s Fleeting Spirit (5/2 fav with skybet). Australia again provides the main dangers, in the shape of Takeover Target (6/1 wit Bet365) and Magnus (9/1 with totesport).
3:45 St. James’ Palace Stakes, Group 1, 3yo, 1m
Fourteen of the opening day’s feature race’s last fifteen winners were place in the English, Irish or French Guineas. However, Aidan O’Brien’s multiple Group winner Rock of Gibraltar is the only one to complete the double in recent years. Four wins for Ballydoyle, plus John Oxx’s Azamour in 2004 have given the Irish five of the last eight winners. English / Irish guineas victor Henrythenavigator is sure to be a warm order (4/7 with Paddy Power). Each-way alternatives are French Guineas winner Falco (11/2 with Ladbrokes) and, particularly Godolphin’s Rio De La Plata. There is a suspicion that Falco may have “stolen” the Guineas, under a superb ride from Olivier Peslier. Rio De La Plata performed creditably to be 7th in the Epsom Derby and at 14/1 with totesport, looks the each-way value against the favourite.
4:20 Coventry Stakes, Group 2, 2yo, 6f
Aidan O’Brien is the trainer to follow here, with 5 winners in the last 11 runnings. It is also a favourites’ race, with 50% of the last 20 runnings falling to the favourite or joint favourite. Peter Tchaikovsky is the sole Ballydoyle representative, 3rd best in the market, at 7/1 with Blue Square. The likely favourite is Mick Channon’s Orizaba, a wide margin winner of a Newbury maiden in May, best-priced at 10/3 with 888sport.
4:55 Ascot Stakes, Handicap, 4yo+, 2m 4f
Royal Ascot’s longest handicap has proved a happy hunting ground for “jumps” trainers, with 4 wins for Martin Pipe, 2 each for Toby Balding and Irish trainer Tony Martin and 1 for Paul Webber in the last 15 runnings. Four year olds have an excellent recent record, winning 7 of the last 10 runnings. 10 of the last 12 winners have started at prices in double figures.
5:30 Windsor Castle Stakes, Listed, 2yo, 5f
Mick Channon has fielded 3 winners and Clive Cox two, since 1993. No overseas raider has prevailed since 1980. Channon is represented by Moss Likely, (available at 15/1 on the betting exchanges) winner of a Newbury race in May, which has proved a good source of Royal Ascot winners in the past.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds
