After a thrilling opening day at Royal Ascot, the action continues with a superb second-day card headlined by the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Here are a few fancies for Wednesday’s racing, along with some brief notes on why they could be worth supporting.
15:05 GALIYAN (5/2 Generally)
He is by no means a wonderful price in a race of this nature, but I am still keen to side with GALIYAN, whom Oisin Murphy nominated as his best ride of the week, and it is easy to see why. While he has not yet achieved as much as some of his rivals, he looks certain to improve further.
He took a very pleasing step forward when winning at Chester on just his second start. That form already looks strong and is supported by the speed figures too. He comfortably accounted for the well-fancied Joulany, who was previously beaten only half a length by Maltese Cross at Newbury. Maltese Cross went on to win the Lingfield Derby Trial before finishing runner-up in the Derby itself at Epsom.
Considering how strongly Andrew Balding’s colt finished at Chester, this additional step up in trip by two furlongs should suit him well. He has the makings of a top-class stayer and should go close here.
16:20 OMBUDSMAN (11/8 Generally)
This is a fascinating race that many are billing as a match, and my preference is for top-rated OMBUDSMAN, who was hugely impressive when winning this contest last year and has seemingly had this repeat bid as a major target ever since. His Sandown comeback should have sharpened him up nicely, having overcome a 7lb concession to the talented Gethin to score by a neck.
What sways the vote firmly in his favour is the ground, which should suit him better than the French challenger Daryz, who would undoubtedly prefer a softer surface. The John and Thady Gosden-trained five-year-old produced a devastating display when beating him at York in similar conditions, and he can confirm that superiority here.
Almaqam may not be seen to best effect on this surface, while Minnie Hauk has questions to answer after a disappointing effort last month.
With conditions and the likely race setup in his favour, William Buick’s mount looks the most solid option and is expected to come out on top.
17:00 MR WINSTON (16/1 Generally Each Way)
One of the most difficult races of the season for punters, but always a fantastic spectacle. Cases can be made for plenty of these, but I was particularly taken by MR WINSTON when he landed a competitive 18-runner Class 2 handicap at Epsom earlier this month and he could still have plenty more to offer, especially on ground he enjoys.
He did remarkably well to win that day, having been almost brought to a standstill just as he was making his challenge. Oisin Murphy was forced to sit and suffer before eventually finding daylight two furlongs from home. Once the gap appeared, Mr Winston powered through and stayed on strongly to score by a length, looking well on top at the line and suggesting he remains on a workable mark.
He showed a terrific attitude at Epsom and, with his stamina for further than a mile likely to be a major asset up Ascot’s stiff finish, he looks capable of running another big race. I would also like to give a positive mention to Classic, who could have a say if things fall right.
17:35 STATEIRA (15/2 Generally Each Way)
Formerly owned by Racing Club co-founder Gary Gillies, STATEIRA has progressed very well through the handicap ranks, recording dominant victories at Newcastle before producing an excellent, albeit unlucky, third-place finish in Group 2 company on her latest start. She delivered an eye-catching performance that day, finishing just a length and a half behind despite not enjoying a clear run.
On the back of that effort, she returns to handicap company carrying top weight. It will take a smart performance to defy that burden, but she looks more than capable. She has carried big weights to victory before and typically travels strongly through her races.
The ground is a slight concern, but otherwise she looks a solid each-way proposition and rates as the class act in the field.
18:10 DANCE A JIG (20/1 Generally Each Way)
A tricky finale featuring a host of promising two-year-olds, but at the prices, DANCE A JIG makes appeal. I was fortunate enough to back Rossa Ryan to land the final race on Tuesday and hopefully he can repeat the feat here.
This son of Naval Crown made an excellent start to his career when finishing runner-up in the Brocklesby, pulling two and a half lengths clear of the remainder. He then proved he handles Ascot when finishing second at the track in early May, beaten only a neck by Adaay Of Scarlett.
That form has received a significant boost since, with Adaay Of Scarlett producing a superb effort to finish a half-length second in Tuesday’s Group 2 Coventry Stakes. The step up to six furlongs should suit, while the larger field may help him settle better with some cover. With further improvement likely and the form of both his starts working out well, he looks overpriced.
WEDNESDAY SELECTIONS
15:05 GALIYAN (5/2 Generally)
16:20 OMBUDSMAN (11/8 Generally)
17:00 MR WINSTON (16/1 Generally Each Way)
17:35 STATEIRA (15/2 Generally Each Way)
18:10 DANCE A JIG (20/1 Generally Each Way)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 8:25pm Tuesday 16th June
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
