Ten Horses to Watch out for at Royal Ascot
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Royal Ascot is Britain’s most historic racing event and, never failing to deliver, all the big names will come out in force to this great meeting where the Queen herself attends all 5 days. Fashion and racing combine to create a fantastic atmosphere and whether you’re a horse lover or not, it truly is a must. Here are ten horses for you to follow, which will hopefully provide you with a profitable 5 days at the most renowned racing festival in the world.
1. DAY 1 – ST JAMES PALACE STAKES 1M – KINGMAN EVENS FAVOURITE, Tuesday 17th June represents the first day of Royal Ascot and there will be a huge roar as the runners for the first race leave the stalls. The Ascot crowd are in for a real treat as the third race will see the English 2,000 Guineas winner, Night of Thunder, take on second placed Kingman who was favourite when they met at Newmarket. He looks to be short odds once again after a faultless win in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, so it’s a rematch that not many would like to call, but I’m going with Kingman to reverse the form. The Newmarket race was a muddling one with the runners splitting into two groups, arguably making it a false result. John Gosden is a masterful trainer and I would look no further than Kingman to ensure the week starts off on a winning streak.
2. DAY 1 – KINGS STAND STAKES 5F – SOLE POWER 7/1, If you blink you will miss it as the fastest horses in the world will take to Ascot’s straight 5F. Little over half a mile will be run in less than a minute and if the ground is quick, the experienced veteran, Sole Power, is sure to be on the scene at the end. Possibly the most consistent sprinter around and winner of this race last year, Sole Power will take a lot of stopping if conditions are in his favour. However, I must stress there is bound to be plenty of competition, as this race usually provides at least 16 runners year on year.
3. DAY 1 – COVENTRY STAKES 6F – KOOL KOMPANY 7/1, The Richard Hannon trained two year old named after the Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, has started his career with three very gutsy performances and, although he may not be the most flashy of horses, he always seems to get the job done. His form going into the Royal meeting is better than most, and although he may face stiff competition from the likely favourite, ‘The Great War’ (who cost his owners Coolmore $1,000,000), we at The Gentleman’s Journal still feel he has a lot to prove to live up to his hefty price tag.
4. Day 2 – Prince Of Wales Stakes 10F – Mukhadram 12/1, A superstar filly who took the racing world by storm last year, Mukhadram will be sure to battle it out with the old stager, Cirrus Des Aigles, who ran the greatest horse ever Frankel to 2 lengths last year on Champions Day. At the age of eight, Cirrus Des Aigles is back on top form, however, if there was an upset, Mukhadram could be the one. He was second in this race last year and ran a career best, coming 2nd in the Dubai World Cup earlier this year. He can use that as a platform to achieve greater things and he warrants a good Each Way bet.
5. DAY 2 – THE ROYAL HUNT CUP 8F – ABSEIL 12/1, The ante post favourite, Abseil, looks to be a horse full of progression. Last time he competed, the race was completely run against him on soft ground and the tight turning track of Chester wasn’t his cup of tea. Abseil has only had the three runs and remains open to plenty of improvement. James Doyle, who has been the most in form jockey so far this season, will be riding and should take some beating.
6. DAY 3 – THE ASCOT GOLD CUP 2M 4F – BROWN PANTHER 6/1, The Ascot Gold Cup is possibly one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the year. In 2013 it was a privilege to witness Estimate winning the race for Her Majesty the Queen, and this time round she will bid to defend her crown once again. She faces very strong opposition however, and 2014’s favourite, Leading Light, holds every chance to rival Estimate. Leading Light was visually impressive on his return last month in Ireland. With all this in mind I am banking on Manchester United’s striker to bring me home the money. Since retiring from football, Owen has come to love the sport, and he owns Brown Panther who has been in sensational form this season, winning both his starts very emphatically. 6/1 looks a generous price.
7. DAY 4 – THE CORONATION STAKES 1M – MISS FRANCE 7/2 FAVOURITE, The 1,000 Guineas heroine, Miss France, looks to have a really good chance of confirming her success, facing a number of previous rivals. The runner up behind Miss France at Newmarket was Lightning Thunder, who could chase her home again here. In her previous races she has performed consistently, including a 2nd place to Marvellous in the Irish equivalent.
8. DAY 5 – THE DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES 6F – ALJAMAAHEER 9/1, The last Group 1 of the week is another sprint race that usually provides a thrilling finish. Aljamaaheer made an eye catching late run at Newmarket on his seasonal reappearance, and will have come on plenty for the run. This race is always extremely competitive though, and he won’t be short of competition with the likes of Slade Power, Gordon Lord Byron and Maarek. Aljamaaheer is an exciting contender.
9. DAY 5 – THE WOKINGHAM HANDICAP 6F – INTRINSIC 14/1, Intrinsic, who has been trained by Robert Cowell, is more commonly known as the ‘Sprint King’. Having left Sir Michael Stoute last year, Intrinsic has ran twice and won twice in very taking fashion – he could be the answer to a muddling race.
10. DAY 5 – THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH HANDICAP 1M 4F – Hamelin 8/1, Hamelin is regally bred, thus it would be fitting to see him win at the Royal Meeting for his trainer Lady Jane Cecil, the widow of the late legend Sir Henry Cecil. Ever since he was given time to mature after two educational races early last year, he has rapidly turned into a very exciting horse. Winning both his starts in the autumn of last year, under champion jockey Richard Hughes, he couldn’t quite reel in the winner, Al Saham, but he was an impressive second in defeat. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if he improved again to take this race, which would provide a fitting ending to the Royal Meeting.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
