by Royal Ascot got underway on Tuesday with big races in the offing every day this week. Here’s your guide to day three of one of the best flat racing meetings.
14:30 – Norfolk Stakes
It’s hard to look past WALBANK, whose second-place finish in his debut was one of the strongest rookies we’ve seen this season. Unsurprisingly, he was better, and in no uncertain terms too, hammering his rivals to score by a bloodless seven-length margin in a rookie 5f at York. Walbank graduated expensively and looks like a potentially first-class youngster to go with his high price tag; he may be better off because of his connections that came so close in this race last year with Go Bears Go.
15:05 – King George V Stakes
Fast terrain can make all the difference for INVERNESS, whose only start this quarter was the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, a race that is going very well. He had previously beaten the helpful Educator in a 1m maiden at Goodwood last year and, with the move to 1m4f sure to suit him, he seems to have a lot more to offer after just three career starts from him. Deauville Legend has long formed as one that can prove considerably better than an 89 mark and it seems certain to come close here as well.
3.40pm – Ribblesdale Stakes
SEA SILK ROAD has made unbridled progress so far this term, winning a maiden in grand style before scoring at list level at Goodwood last month on ground that looked too soft for her. Your first attempt at fast terrain can net you a further upgrade, as well as a step forward on the journey, and in a career that lacks the superstar quality Emily Upjohn might have brought to proceedings, Sea Silk Road can open your account. in his first attempt at Group level and continuing a good week for trainer William Haggas.
16:20 – Gold Cup
It’s very hard to look past KYPRIOS, who is firmly in the mold of Aidan O’Brien’s last two Gold Cup winners, Order Of St George and Leading Light, in that he is a four-year-old. very progressive looking. It will most likely improve for this step in the journey. Firm ground can be very much to his liking and, in a lineup where some of them are sure to appreciate a bit of rain, he stands out as far and away the most likely winner of this race.
to line up
Useful stay in your day, but has been exposed to a lower level and is likely to struggle, so this ride could bring some improvements.
Earlofthecotswolds
He made a big impact on the remaining division during the all-weather season, but this is a completely different test and he’s going to do very well.
Stradivarius
The lifelong player who comes into this after a tough win in the Yorkshire Cup. Ground in favour, but this is a big question; however, he has the right to approach.
Trueshan
Remaining first class in the right conditions, but he’s at his best on soft ground and he’s not going to get it today. It will do well to appear in these conditions if it runs.
Kyprios
It looks much firmer, getting better with every start and looking like this class last time. Resistance to test, but otherwise ticks a lot of boxes – the one to beat.
star mojo
Last year’s runner-up in Derby and St. Leger. However, this is a big question in his season debut and, with toughness to show for it, it’s better to watch.
Tashkhan
An energetic four-year-old who would have been a top fantasy if the ground were softer. He gets better still, proven on the track and holds up all day; he has a squeak.
smart bubble
Useful stay whose only attempt on this trip saw her finish third behind Trueshan and Stradivarius in the Prix Du Cadran. She has work to do based on her two careers this term.
burning victory
High-class hurdler who represents a trainer who is an expert in changing horse codes. It’s hard to gauge his ability on the floor, but his presence in the lineup is respected.
princess zoé
Very likeable mare, second this past year and tempered with a winning effort in the Sagaro Stakes. She doesn’t get any younger, but she can run her race once more.
17:00 – Britannia Stakes
A minefield of a handicap, with plenty of promising three-year-olds ready to take on. KOY KOY (NAP)’s seasonal comeback was a bit of a messy one, in that the ground was too soft for him, he stumbled out of the gate, missed the break, and proceeded to run hard in midfield. Also, he is a great horse who may have found Chester tight enough for him and, all things considered, he could have done very well to finish second. Firm ground, a mile, and a straight track can bring big improvements in it and you imagine it will come close.
17:35 – Hampton Court Stakes
It’s very hard to look past REACH FOR THE MOON, who have probably been ready for this race for some time and are grading bank material in their bid to give Her Majesty The Queen a timely Royal Ascot winner. In fact, while he’s certainly bred to appreciate this step forward in the journey, further improvement may not be required to score here. In a race that lacks much substance for the grade, Kingmax is expected to beat his likely long odds: He comes from a couple of form lines that are working very well and is led to chase the pick home.
18:10 – Gambling at Buckingham Palace
MONTASSIB has looked like a potential Stakes performer by winning both of his starts this season, most recently when he posted a 7f handicap at Goodwood on ground that may well have been too soft for him. He has a lot of improvement to come and as long as position one is not disadvantageous in any way, he should come close. Tactical looks like an interesting competitor in the handicap company and, as a previous winner in this meeting (when he wins the 2020 Windsor Castle Stakes), he could reward all-round support.
Day Three at Royal Ascot Selections
Marlborough
2.30 Walbank
3.05 Inverness
3.40 Sea Silk Road
4.20 Kyprios
5.00 Koy Koy NAP
5.35 Reach the Moon
6.10 Montasib
Army
2.30 Brave Nation
3.05 flying dolphin
3.40 Sea Silk Road
4.20 Princess Zoe
5.00 Who put fifty on you NAP
5.35 Reach the Moon
6.10 Montasib
