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Royal Ascot kicks off in style once more with The Queen Anne Stakes, and whilst there is no stellar field like recent years, the tradition of the race being spear-headed by a world class superstar persists. Recent winners are an illustrious ‘who’s who’ of middle distance echelon; including Goldikova, Paco Bay, Canford Cliffs and the champion of the world, Frankel. The only horse that can boast the level of form to match such winners is ANIMAL KINGDOM who boasts the ability to be versatile on ground and trip, being a Kentucky Derby winner and a Dubai World Cup winner. As well as chasing home the fantastic American miler Wise Dan at the Breeders Cup, with Excelebration and Moonlight Cloud in behind. The fact of the matter is that he doesn’t have a lot to beat. Elusive Kate is the only other Group One winner, and the filly has never won when taking on the colts. The rest are much of a muchness, with Declaration of War, whilst Trade Storm and Aljamaaheer are up in class. It looks a fairly straightforward task for the American raider.
The second race looks a bit of a minefield, with nineteen lining up for The Kings Stand, but if South African sprinter SHEA SHEA turns up, much like Animal Kingdom, in the same heart he was in when romping home in Dubai, he is hard to beat. He is 3lb clear on official ratings of Reckless Abandon, who looks the main danger, but these races tend to be messy affairs, and won’t be one to seriously get stuck into. Sole Power, Spirit Quarts and Swiss Spirit are those who are the most likeliest to spring a surprise.
The action packed first day keeps on delivering, with DAWN APPROACH looking to bounce back after his flop in The Derby in The St James’ Palace Stakes. He was never travelling and being at pains with the slow early crawl of a pace, jockey Kevin Manning struggling to get him settled. Jim Bolger has his pacemaker Leitir Mor deployed once more which should suit the colt, and although Irish Guineas winner Magician will be a capable foe, I have to stick with the animal that I have been so sweet on since seeing his maiden win oh so many moons ago.
I can’t keep on tipping up favourites, so will sidestep Stubbs and Championship in The Coventry Stakes for Ballydoyle’s supposed second string and Sir John Hawkins, with Ryan Moore jocked up. He is bred to be decent, out of Irish Oaks heroine Peeping Fawn, by multiple Group 1 winner Henrythenavigator, and made a pleasing start to racing when winning on debut at The Curragh. He was green but got better as the race progressed and has the potential to be very smart. I can see him being a Guineas horse for next year already for leading connections.
The Ascot Stakes is a two and a half mile handicap, and a race that has generally been dominated by National Hunt trainers with dual purpose horses. This was seen last year when Willie Mullins and Simeon romping home in the hands of Ryan Moore to win and win well. Those at the head of the market all have doubts, but the two that strike of the most interest are Investissement for David Pipe and Lieutenant Miller of Nicky Henderson. Investissement is a seemingly precocious animal, three starts since his third in an Ebor in 2011 from a mark of 99. The stable won the race a few years ago with Junior, and he will be fitter from his run at Chester last month. Lieutenant Miller made a mockery of his mark of 79 at Doncaster over two miles, and won as he liked. Up 8lb, but rated 115 over hurdles, and classier form in the book. Nicky Henderson won the race with Veiled in 2011, so know what it takes to win. Graham Lee is a very strong booking to do the steering.
The Windsor Castle Stakes has a fond history of being a good get out of jail race for punters, with well supported favourites Frederick Engels and Duntle winning the last two seasons in good style too. Richard Hannon is mob handed at this, with four runners, whilst Aidan O’ Brien, David Evans and George Baker, all have a brace with a couple chucked in for Qatar Bloodstock. I Would be hesitant selections, but I liked the look of Fountain of Youth for Ballydoyle and Ryan Moore on board, and also Justice Day for David Elsworth. Fountain of Youth is a typical stoutly bred sort, who ran well on debut, in what looks to have been a very strong maiden. He looked better when dropping down to 5f to shed the maiden tag, and will have more to offer. Justice Day sprung a surprise when winning a Newbury maiden readily, and the form has worked out really well. He’s yet to be out of the frame in three conditions events, and is sure to run to a strong standard again.
2.30 Royal Ascot – Animal Kingdom
3.05 Royal Ascot – Shea Shea
3.45 Royal Ascot – Dawn Approach
4.25 Royal Ascot – Sir John Hawkins (Nap)
5.00 Royal Ascot – Lieutenant Miller & Investissement
5.35 Royal Ascot – Fountain of Youth & Justice Day
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
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