Coltrane and Eldar Eldarov are vying for favouritism in the Ascot Gold Cup (tomorrow, 4.20pm), the highlight of day three of the royal meeting. They both have strong form and big chances of winning the Group 1 contest over two miles and a half.
However, there is little value left in their prices of little more than 3-1 for the pair and, as usual, I would rather go in search of a horse at bigger odds. That horse is YIBIR who, with an official mark of 117, is not far off the highest rated stayers in the race.
The big question mark over Charlie Appleby’s five-year-old gelding is whether he will stay the marathon trip as all his best form is over a mile and a half, that’s a full mile shorter than he will race over tomorrow.
I have little doubt that jockey William Buick will hold up Yibir near the back of the field in the hope of coming with a late, killer run. For a sporty bet in the big race, back him 2 points win at 11-1 with William Hill, Unibet and other bookies. I am going win only because if Yibir really does not stay, he will finish nearer last than first.
My second bet on day three is in the ultra-competitive Buckingham Palace Stakes (tomorrow 6.10pm), a seven-furlong handicap with 29 runners. I was tempted to put up Vafortino, who loves Ascot’s straight course and is super-consistent, but he would prefer softer ground. I also thought of backing Spirit of Light, who has good recent form but has run poorly on his two visits to Ascot.
However, I am going to take a chance on RHOSCOLYN, who was third in this very race a year ago off an official rating of 103. After some poor runs this season, he can run tomorrow off a mark of just 93. Having crept into the race off that lowly mark, the horse will have the benefit of stable jockey Danny Tudhope in the saddle. Back him each way at 22-1 with Coral or Ladbrokes, paying six places, in the hope he can once again find his best form.
The Britannia Stakes (tomorrow 5pm) is no less competitive than the Buckingham Palace Stakes, with 30 runners over the straight mile. PHYSIQUE is a tentative selection after his last run at Goodwood, when he pulled too hard from his outside draw but still finished full of running in third under his apprentice rider. The step up in trip should suit so back him each way 40-1 with either Coral or Ladbrokes, both paying four places.
I am giving the first three races on tomorrow’s card a miss, betting wise, along with the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes (tomorrow 5.235pm). But I will be back tomorrow with my tips for day four of the royal meeting. Until then, good luck with your betting and enjoy the wonderful racing on offer.
2023 flat season running total: – 5.93 points.
2022-3 jumps season: + 54.3 points on all tips.
Pending bets:
1 point each way Tarrabb at 10-1 for the Kensington Palace Fillies’ Handicap, paying 1/5th odds, seven places.
1 point each way Point Lynas at 33-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup, paying 1/5 odds, six places.
1 point each way Atrium at 20-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup, paying 1/5 odds, seven places.
1 point each way Circle of Fire at 13/2 for the Queen’s Vase, paying 1/5th odds, four places.
2 points win Yibir at 11-1 for the Ascot Gold Cup.
1 point each way Rhoscolyn at 22-1 for the Buckingham Palace Stakes, paying six places.
1 point each way Physique for the Britannia Stakes at 40-1, paying four places.
1 point each way Zoffee at 20-1 for the Northumberland Plate, paying ¼ odds, 4 places.
Settled bets:
1 point each way Royal Scotsman at 17/2 in the 2000 Guineas, 1/5 odds, paying four places. 3rd. + 0.5 points.
1 point each way Call My Bluff at 4-1 in the Chester Cup, paying six places, 1/5th odds. 3rd. – 0.2 points.
1 point each way Safe Voyage at 12-1 in the Victoria Cup, paying seven places, 1/5th odds. 5th. + 1.4 points.
1 point each way Popmaster at 6-1 in the Connect It Utility Services Handicap
Unplaced. – 2 points
1 point each way Royal Acclaim at 6-1 in the Temple Stakes. Unplaced. – 2 point.
1 point each way Sprewell at 10-1 for the Derby paying 1/5 odds, five places. 4th. + 1 point.
1 point each way Arrest at 4-1 for the Derby, paying 1/5 odds, four places. Unplaced. – 2 points. 2 points win Saga at 14-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup.
1 point each way Mokaatil at 12-1 for the Epsom Dash, paying 1/5th odds, seven places. Unplaced. – 2 points.
2 points win Saga at 14-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup. Non Runner. – 2 points.
1 point each way Twilight Calls at 16-1 for the King’s Stand Stakes, paying 1/5th odds, 5 places. 4th but Rule 4 deduction of 15p in the £. + 1.97 points.
2 points win Royal Scotsman at 14-1 for the St James’s Palace Stakes. Unplaced. – 2 points.
1 point each way Zoffee at 14-1 for the Ascot Stakes, paying ¼ odds, 4 places. Unplaced. – 2 points.
1 point each way Chillingham at 22-1 for the Copper Horse Handicap, paying 1/5 odds, 5 places. 4th. + 3.4 points.
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