Thursday’s Racing at Royal Ascot

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

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    • Written by Jason Tynan · Filed Under Horse Racing, Royal Ascot 

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