Paging Orsen..... (your 25s is looking interesting in the sprint). What do we reckon today then everyone? I've had three bets this morning: Vadream - 2.00 Master Of The Seas - 3.10 Sealiway - 3.45 The ground is usually a bog at this meeting - but this year its been unseasonably dry. And the French do have a great record in the Champion Stakes....
Yes, Fonzie. As I suspected, Starman, Golden Slippers and Romantic Proposal are all absent - although there are still plenty left in. Minzaal already has a Group 2 win and a Group 1 3rd to his name and this is far from a strong Group 1. Minzaal is undoubtedly the least exposed in this field and was towards the head of the market for the Commonwealth Cup before being injured in the spring. I think he's still worth a bet at 8/1, although as you say, I'm sitting on my 25's! At the prices I'd also have a bet on Art Power at 9/2. I think many of the other races look tricky, but I'm interested in: 3.10 Palace Pier (15/8 in a place) 4.30 Sunray Major (2/1 - a group horse in a handicap) I think that in the Champion Stakes a case could be made for Addeyyb, Mishriff, Adayar and Dubai Honour, so I'll just enjoy watching that race. More than enough entertainment at Ascot to take our mind off Barnsley (Franchise) FC!
I reckon Aiden O'Brien and Ryan Moore could be a fly in the ointment today.. 1:25 The Mediteranean ran well in the Ledger then had a pipe opener over 2 miles at the Curragh. 2:35 Snowfall. I can't see anything in the field to threaten it. 3:10 Mother Earth has consistent form against some of these rivals and hasn't been disgraced by Alcohol Free. Has won a Guineas. 3:50 Bolshoi Ballet. Looked a decent horse at 2. Favourite for the Derby. Then went globe trotting. Interesting that Ballydoyle have a crack at this rather than giving him a rest.
Yes - at first glance 33/1 looked huge for that one, given his reputation in the spring. Have to say though it now looks like his limitations have been somewhat exposed. Tough race!
If I've owt to come out of first three races I'll have a bit e/w on Mother Earth and Balshoi Ballet more for the fact i'll have a massive grimmace on my face if either win.
They're all tough at Ascot today, no mistake. For what it's worth 1.25 I've arbed Meditteranean (27 and 17) and put a small place bet on him to get in first 4 2.00 Ive arbed Kinross (16 and 13). He's now down to 9.0 on the exchange 2.35 Albeflora e.w 3.10 Small ew on Lady Bowthorpe (4 places). This is the riskiest bet I have but cant stay away from those ew exchange odds 3.50 Mishriff but not backed it 4.30 King Leonidas but not backed it Catterick Dash - no firm opinions as the form is muddling but maybe Militia Good luck to one and all. Hopefully we all win summat!!
Catterick: 1.20 - My Bonnie Lassie 1.55 - Imperial Eight 2.30 - Shark Two One 3.05 - Furzig 3.40 - (the Dash) Militia 4.15 - Musicka 4.50 - Bollin Neil Don't say I didn't tell you! Outsider of the Day? Barnsley to win at Reading.
