Katie Midwinter (20/06/24)
2:30pm – Chesham Stakes (Listed Race)
Shaman colt Brian was an eyecatcher on debut at Windsor, flashing home late to finish fourth having been denied a clear run as the race developed. Third placed Lady With A Lamp subsequently landed a maiden, and a number of others in the field, including Fearless Freddy and Number, respectively, have since run well in defeat.
In his second appearance he was only beaten a neck by Cool Hoof Luke, fourth in the Group Two Coventry Stakes on Tuesday. That has proven to be a good level of form, and if he can match the level shown by his previous conqueror, he holds strong each-way claims.
With so many big priced winners and placed horses among in the juvenile races so far this week at the Royal Meeting, it’s worth taking a chance on an unexposed maiden, who looks to be improving with experience.
Selection: Brian 33/1 (each-way)
3:05pm – Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
St Leger winner Continuous proved his strong staying credentials with a number of impressive performances last term. Despite clearly possessing plenty of stamina, he isn’t shy of speed either, and performed respectably in both the Dante Stakes, over a trip shorter than required, and when second over course-and-distance behind 122-rated King Of Steel in the King Edward VII Stakes.
Fifth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe when last seen, suffering interference in the straight, his run at Longchamp represents a high level of form, and he has gone well fresh in the past which bodes well for his chances on reappearance for Aidan O’Brien. Under regular rider Ryan Moore, he should prove superior to his rivals in this Group Two contest.
Selection: Continuous 7/4
3:45pm – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
Experienced sprinter Kinross has nothing to prove having won plenty of top class races over the course of his career. This is his seasonal return, and he is likely past his peak, but he has gone well fresh in the past and holds strong claims.
It’s tough to predict the winner of such a competitive sprint, but Kinross is a reliable horse who usually performs well. He’s consistent and versatile, and it would be a surprise to see him fail to make the frame.
Selection: Kinross 6/1
4:25pm – Jersey Stakes (Group 3)
A field of twenty are set to head to post in the highly competitive Jersey Stakes, but the race appears to revolve around the top two in the market, Haatem and River Tiber.
They finished second and third, respectively, in the Irish 2000 Guineas, and they are the top two highest-rated contenders in the field. There is little between them on form, considering this is over a furlong shorter than the mile trip at the Curragh, and a rematch between is a mouthwatering prospect.
There are others in the field capable of putting in bold bids for glory however, and the progressive, unexposed Never So Brave could live up to his name as he bids to make a successful step up from handicap company.
Night Raider was disappointing in the 2000 Guineas but had his excuses, and was previously unbeaten having won both of his first two starts. He could return to form, as could Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf second, Mountain Bear, who looks overpriced at 33/1 for Aidan O’Brien.
Selection(s): River Tiber 7/4 & Haatem 10/3
5:05pm – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
Seven-year-old Juan Les Pins has performed below par in his last few races having made an impressive start to the calendar year, when second to now 113-rated Diligent Harry. He is due a return to form, and has been unlucky on a few occasions. Suited by the trip and conditions, he could outrun his huge odds, and is only 5lbs higher than when third in the race last year.
Glenfinnan has been tried over the shorter trip of 6f this term since switching from Andrew Balding to Michael Dods’ yard. He was successful over course-and-distance on his penultimate start, and is 4lbs higher here, but with proven course form, he’s worth an each-way punt at the prices.
Selection(s): Juan Les Pins 28/1 & Glenfinnan 40/1 (both each-way)
6:15pm – Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race)
Run For Oscar was desperately unlucky in the closing stages of last year’s renewal, failing to find space for a clear run until it was too late. He has proven he copes well with the trip on firmer conditions and, although he hasn’t been at his best in recent runs, he should fare better on his return to the track.
Selection: Run For Oscar 11/2
All runners/prices are correct at the time of publication.
Photo by Julie Bishop on Unsplash.
THE CONDITIONAL 