2.30 Albany Stakes (Class 1) (Group 3) (Fillies) 6f.

France and the USA predominate here. Wesley Ward who won the Queen Mary on Wednesday enters Back at the Ranch 6/1 which must be respected. WW’s horse came second in this last year and one must assume that Back at the Ranch will perform well here today. Illuminate 7/2 trained by Richard Hannon has been the talked about horse for this race having shown his credentials at a Salisbury conditions race recently at 5f. This race is a furlong longer. Clive Cox entered Our Joy 10/1 and Wesley Ward trained Laxfield Road 8/1 could be there or thereabouts.

Main bet: BACK AT THE RANCH 6/1 each way No: 3 on the racecard.

3.O5 King Edward V11 Stakes (Class 1) (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) 1m 4f

I do have to admit being uncertain about this race and would not necessarily have chosen Aiden O Brien trained Ol’ Man River 3/1 as a forecasted winner, having failed in the 2000gns and Dante, except that with Ryan Moore aboard nothing it seems can be discounted. Balios 5/1 looks good having scored at Newmarket with a second place follow-up on the all weather recently but I like the look of the Sir Michael Stoute trained Frankie Dettori ridden and lightly raced Stravagante 9/4.which won a 2f less distance race credibly at an Epsom handicap and demonstrated strength at the finish.

Main bet: STRAVAGANTE 9/4 to win No: 7on the racecard.

3.40 Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (Class 1) 6fl.

18 runners thunder to post and with some confidence I would not put anyone off backing Wesley Ward’s Hootenanny 9/2 which stormed to victory at the Windsor Castle stakes last year and the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anna and second at the Prix Morny and a win at Keenland in April. Surely that form must bode well for this return to Ascot? Having said that this will not be a sure fire thing as Tiggy Wiggy 11/2 must also be respected. Front runner Tiggy Wiggy, winner of 6 out of 8 starts will find this drop back to 6f more to his liking. Others are worthy of mention, of course, but I have to go for Hootenanny to win this race especially as Ryan Moore will be doing the steering. Anthem Alexander 7/1 beat Tiggy Wiggy in the Queen Mary last year and won a good Gp 3 at Naas recently and will like fast ground, so is in with a shout.

Main bet: HOOTENANNY 9/2 to win No: 7 on the racecard.

4.20 Coronation Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) (Fillies) 1m round.

5 out of 7 for the Aga Khan owned Christophe Soumillon ridden Ervedya 100/30 which is a consummate miler sets the scene for me. Arabian Queen 16/1 which has recently suffered from a sinus problem but now recovered as witnessed by a Gp2 win at Newmarket, could be in for a shout at very good odds with Silvestre de Sousa aboard. Aidn O Brien trained Found 7/4 should certainly not be discounted especially with the red hot Ryan Moore steering.

Main bet: ERVEDYA 100/30 No: 2 on the racecard. Small each way on Arabian Queen 16/1 No: 1 on the racecard.

5.00 Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) 1m 4fl.

4yr olds have a fantastic record in this race. 19 thunder to post in this handicap the outcome of which is extremely difficult to predict. Astronereus 9/1 is certainly a contender who handles Ascot well and won at the Newmarket Guineas meeting recently preceded by a creditable 4th but upped 7lb for the privilege. Igider 8/1 showed a good turn of foot winning a June maiden at Doncaster following an uncertain start but that can be forgiven as having only run 5 races. The drawback is that the win was from only 6 runners but nevertheless carries an additional 9lb as a result but there is no denying that there could be more to come. Arab Dawn 11/2 put up an eyecatching return at Newmarket and should go very close. Dashing Star 12/1 which has been in the frame a few times could also pull this out of the bag for a place at least at good odds and if anyone can do it Ryan Moore can.

Main bet: IGIDER 8/1 each way No: 17 on the racecard.

5.35 Queen’s Vase (Listed Race) (Class 1) 2miles.

Two wins at Salisbury and Haydock preceded by a well run 3rd at Newbury marks Her Majesty the Queen’s horse Fabricate 6/1 as a serious contender here. It would be wonderful for Her Majesy to get one in the bag at her meeting. Great Glen 10/1 is another to consider even though has yet to score a win but stamina is in no doubt which is much needed for this race at 2miles. However, Fabricate last 2 wins give it the nod for me.

Main bet: FABRICATE 6/1 each way No: 4 on the racecard.

With Compliments
Brian Smith FCIM Dip CAM – International Marketing Consultant
01344 621825