Frankie Dettori’s final Royal Ascot as a jockey saw more lows than highs over the first couple of days of the meeting. He rode just the one winner but also picked up a nine-day suspension for careless riding on the first day.
I am hoping the charismatic Italian enjoys a better day on Friday, particularly when he partners LEZOO in the Commonwealth Cup (tomorrow 3.05pm). Lezoo won three of her four races as a two-year before tackling the 1000 Guineas over a mile first time out this season at Newmarket.
On soft ground, she failed to make any impression that day when only eighth. However, I think she will be a different proposition back in trip over 6 furlongs and on fast ground tomorrow.
Similar comments apply to Sakheer, who failed to last out the distance in the 2000 Guineas on soft ground at racing hq last month. But Sakheer is less than half the price of Lezoo in the betting. On balance, back Ralph Beckett’s filly each way at 9-1 with bet365, paying four places.
Little Big Bear is quite rightly the short-priced favourite for this race, with an official rating of 124. However, he may have been flattered when winning last time out at Haydock as he definitely had the best draw, when those drawn low had little chance of winning.
There was a lot to like about CHELSEA GREEN’s seasonal debut at Newmarket last month. Hugo Palmer’s three-year-old-filly was held up in last place early on but made strong late headway to win readily by a length in an 11-strong field.
Connections said immediately that her next target would be the Sandringham Stakes at Royal Ascot (tomorrow, 5pm) and they have been true to their word. She lines up in the 30-runner field hoping to land the £50,000-plus first prize.
Chelsea Green has only gone up 3 lbs for that win at racing hq and, after just four runs last season, she looks an improved handicapper this term. Back her each way at 12-1 with Sky Bet paying eight places (other bookies are offering slightly bigger prices but with fewer places). With her hold-up style, Chelsea Green will need luck in running but her trainer rates this filly highly.
Both the Group 1 Coronation Stakes (tomorrow, 4.20pm) and King Edward VII Stakes (tomorrow 5.35pm) are likely to go to the respective favourites: Tahiyra and King of Steel. But neither horse represents a value bet at short odds.
The Group 3 Albany Stakes (tomorrow 2.30pm), the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes handicap (tomorrow, 3.40pm) and thePalace of Holyrood House Stakes (tomorrow, 6.10pm) are also not for me, betting wise. I will leave it at just the two suggested bets on day four.
Finding big-priced winners at Royal Ascot has, unsurprisingly, proved a challenge this week but we have had plenty of placed horses at double-figure prices. I will be back with another column tomorrow to give my tips for day 5, the final day of Royal Ascot.
2023 flat season running total: – 8.63 points.
2022-3 jumps season: + 54.3 points on all tips.
Pending bets:
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 1/5th odds, six places.
1 point each way Physique at 40-1 for the Britannia Stakes, paying 1/4 odds, four places.
1 pint each way Lezoo at 9-1 for the Commonwealth Cup, paying 1/5th odds, four places.
1 point each way Chelsea Green at 12-1 for the Sandringham Stakes, paying 1/5 odds, eight 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.
1 point each way Tarrabb at 10-1 for the Kensington Palace Fillies’ Handicap, paying 1/5th odds, seven places. 3rd. + 1 point.
1 point each way Point Lynas at 33-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup, paying 1/5 odds, six places. Unplaced. – 2 points.
1 point each way Atrium at 20-1 for the Royal Hunt Cup, paying 1/5 odds, seven places. Unplaced. – 2 points.
1 point each way Circle of Fire at 13/2 for the Queen’s Vase, paying 1/5th odds, four places. 4th. + 0.3 points.
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