2.30 Norfolk Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2). 2 year olds. 5f
It is interesting that Richard Hannon switched slightly fractious Log Out Ireland 2/1 from the Coventry to this race. He won last time out at Ascot by 5 lengths! But King Of Rooks 10/11 is the hot favourite to win the Norfolk, especially with Frankie Dettori aboard who secured his 50th Royal Ascot win by a nose yesterday in the Sandringham. It is thought this may have been done because Godolphin are already strongly represented in the Coventry. Another problem arises that Richard Hughes won’t be aboard and he knows these horses well. Zebstar 20/1 won a Newmarket maiden recently and could well end up in the frame at good odds.
Main bet: KING OF ROOKS 10/11 TO WIN No: 5 on the racecard.
3.05 Tercentenary (formerly Hampton Court) Stakes (Class 1) Gp 3, 3 year olds. 1m 2f
A very difficult race to predict is this but Frankie Dettori aboard Time Test 9/4 has got to appeal with 2 wins and 2 seconds from 4 races at both Sandown and Newbury. The challenges could come from Bocca Baciata 11/2, Peacock 9/2 and Disegno 9/1.
Main bet: TIME TEST 9/4 TO WIN No: 13 on the racecard.
3.40 Ribblesdale Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2) (Fillies) 3 year olds. 1m 4f
Irish 1000gns winner Pleascach at 10/11 may well win this but it could be that the one to be on is Curvy 6/1 ridden by Ryan Moore. Curvy has a 50% strike rate on turf and may present the better value for money at each way. Another serious consideration is Pamona 11/2 who will react positively to the distance. Gretchen 7/1 is another consideration.
Main bet: CURVY 6/1 each way No 2 on the racecard.
4.20 Gold Cup (Class 1) (Group 1). 2m 4f
A more than worthy rival to Forgotten Rules 11/4 (see note below) which stays all day, best horse in the race, is progressive Mizzou 5/1 who won the 2m Gp 3 Sagarro Stakes on this course in April is more than a worthy rival. Nevertheless, Forgotten Rules will take all the beating having franked his credenials with a credible win at Navan. Others could be considered especially Vent De Force 9/1 and Trip to Paris 10/1. Further down the list worth mentioning are Havana Beat 22/1 following the latters New york run and Windshear 28/1 for places.
Main bet: FORGOTTEN RULES 11/4 TO WIN. No: 3 on the racecard. Were Forgotten Rules to be withdrawn due to the going being too firm then back Mizzou at the price to WIN No 10 on the rececard.
For a place TRIP TO PARIS 10/1 each way. No: 12 on the racecard.
5.00 Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) 3 year olds. 1m 4f
Sir Michael Stoute’s Capel Path 10/1 will love this trip and the stable is in good form now. Autumn Curragh winner Portage 12/1 should certainly not be discounted and more could be seen from this horse as can also be said for Yorkshire Dales 16/1 who won creditably at Newmarket last tome out. The only disadvantage with Yorkshire Dale is a lack of rain. More likely contenders are Sahaafy 8/1 and Mutarakez 10/1. With 30 runners steaming to the post you may as well take your pick. Mine is Paul Hnagan trained Mutarakez who could at least be in the frame.
Main bet MUTARAKEZ 10/1 each way No: 5 on the racecard.
5.35 King George V Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) 1mile 4f
Another take your pick race with a choice of 19 runners to choose from. Rocky Rider 28/1 competed in Listed company last time and went close in the Tattersalls Millions Trophy at Newmarket before that. Edward Greatrex’ presence looks a good move as his 7lb allowance could make all the difference to the Galileo colt over this longer trip and he could go close. King Bolete 13/2 has been much talked about and not just because Frankie Dettori is aboard – but it helps together with good handicap form and little problem with the distance. Scottish 9/1 is another worth marking as a potential winner resulting from to promising maidens at Newbury. There are others but you could go on ………..
Main bet: KING BOLETE 13/2 each way No: 5 on the racecard. Rocky Rider 28/1 each way No 1 on the racecard.
Business in Berkshire 