Hopefully most of you got paid the four places on Medicean Man yesterday, apart from that our selections ran really well without winning - our two biggest bets Hermival and Cristoforo Columbo were second and third respectively. I try not to moan too much about jockeys but I think Benoit gave Hermival an absolute shocker and I think we should have won there. I hinted after the 2,000 Guineas that we'd punt the horse heavily under the right circumstances but the stake was only 4pts because the jockey's lack of Ascot experience had been factored into the staking.
We may have an evening bet this evening and keep an eye out for day 3 price alerts as the day goes on.
2.30 Royal Ascot - Jersey Stakes (Group 3) -
Sovereign Debt 2pts each-way AND 1pt win NON RUNNER
Justineo 1pt each-way AND 1pt win @ 33/1 (Use a bookmaker paying 4 places, take S.P. if you can't get 33/1 or better)
A huge field for this year's renewal. Sovereign Debt looks the bet of the day here, unbeaten in two runs at the course, progressive, and trained by a trainer whose 3yos excel at this meeting. He won very, very easily last time out over course and distance and although he steps up in class today, everything about the run suggested it was time for him to step up in grade. He looked a proper Ascot horse, travelling well in behind the pace before finding a ready turn of foot to win. Jamie Spencer rides and he has a very good record at this meeting.
If there is to be a surprise, it may come from Justineo who looks a late developer. He is a fine looking son of Oasis Dream, whose progeny have a strong record at this course, and there was plenty to like about his Epsom run last time. He didn't handle the track at all, and a straight, galloping seven furlongs with a stiff finish should suit better. William Haggas has taken the trouble to book Frankie Dettori and he may be well drawn in the centre.
3.45 Royal Ascot - 150th Anniversary of the Price Of Wales's Stakes
Betting w/o So You Think - Sri Putra 1pt each-way @ 40/1 (Paddy Power and Ladbrokes only)
I think So You Think might just edge this but I have to say I'm not a Carlton House fan and I wasn't that impressed by his return at Sandown. I can't have Planteur on the quickening ground, and the Godolphin horse has it all to prove and is underpriced. Sri Putra finished ahead of Planteur last year, and connections have alluded to the fact that these Championship races bring out the best of him, with the strong pace almost guaranteed. There is a pacemaker in here today and Neil Callan can be expected to ride Sri Putra for prize money. When others have cried enough having tussled with the favourite, Sri Putra will be staying on and he looks far too big at 40/1 on the without markets. Basically he has to finish in the first three of ten, if he does we get paid at 8/1 for the place part of the bet which is very fair.
Bonnie Brae 1pt each-way AND 1pt win @ 18/1 (Betfred, 5 places guaranteed, 16/1 generally take 5 places guaranteed)
Trade Storm 1pt each-way AND 1pt win @ 25/1 (Bet 365, Boylesports, 5 places, or take 20/1 5 places with VC Bet, Paddy Power)
A minefield as ever but two stick out for me, both are drawn on opposite sides of the track but a few horses off the rail so there is less fear of them being stranded should they split into two or even three groups. Bonnie Brae is a 5yo mare who is in the form of her life and ran a fine race over seven furlongs on soft ground here last time behind Global Village. I think she will be fine on today's ground and unlike many of these, she has proven recent form on her side. If she turns up in the same form here and is ridden with a little more restraint, I think she will go very close.
Trade Storm is drawn on the near side and there was plenty to like about his recent effort at York, where he was given an easy time of it once his chance had gone. He was 5th behind Sagramor at last year's Royal meeting and I wouldn't be surprised if David Simcock, who had a horse run really well here yesterday, elicited further improvement from him. He has booked the excellent William Buick and he is another who is overpriced at 25/1.
Profit & loss: day: -14.00 / month: +49.81 / year: -241.26
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