2.30 The Chesham Stakes (Listed)
It looks as though Mark Johnston is keen to have a shot at the opener as he saddles three runners and it is hard to decide which is the top one as both Shakesperean and Step In Time both have decent chances and even the bookies are finding it hard to split them.
Aidan O’Brien has only won this race once before and if you are a coincidence backer he runs Beethoven in this race and his only winner was Bach. Tenuous I know but this is his best chance of winning the race for a while.
Richard Hannon’s Emperor Claudius looks a progressive type.
It is also hard to ignore the latest American challenger, Honor In Peace, for trainer Wesley Ward who is two from three so far this week. It is also interesting that Ward is putting up a European jockey in Olivier Peslier this time.
3.05 The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2)
An interesting renewal of the Hardwick Stakes and, on paper, this should be a shoe-in for Doctor Freemantle, however – and this is a big however, he can get worked up and with a predicted sell out crowd, which will be noisy, you have to hope he will not boil over and with that worry the price of 7/4 is too short.
At a much better price and a decent each way price, is stablemate Tajaaweed.
Campanologist is a quirky character and was disappointing last time out at Sandown, however with no disrespect to Ted Durcan, Frankie is back on board and he knows the horse well. He also loves Ascot and after a victory on Thursday Godolphin may be finding some form again.
3.45 The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1)
Overseas contenders have dominated the sprints here this year and this contest looks to be no exception.
It is disappointing that one of the original raiders, Takeover Target, is going to miss the contest but the overseas challenge is strong.
Cannonball was only sixth in the Kings Stand on Tuesday and it is hard to see him doing better today.
The race is down to two top overseas raiders.
From Hong Kong we have Sacred Kingdom, winner all over the world and vying for favouritism with the South African contender, J J The Jet Plane, winner in Dubai and in a pipe opener listed race at Windsor.
I can see these two battling it out in the finish.
Kingsgate Native has done a George Washington and been a flop at stud and is now back in training. Now with Sir Michael Stoute if he is as good as he was before then he will be the best of the home challengers. If he is not as good then King’s Apostle will be the best home challenger.
4.25 The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap)
Low numbers have tended to dominate so far this week and in this lottery it will probably pay to stick with the stand side runners.
This brings Jimmy Styles and Beaver Patrol into the equation.
Jimmy Styles is from an in form stable and his seasonal debut has shown he has progressed from his impressive running last season.
Beaver Patrol was runner up in this contest last year and early season performances in Dubai indicate he has also trained on well.
From those less well drawn Zidane is the eye catcher, a hold up horse he will need luck in running. Has the ability given some luck and has the promising William Buick on board.
5.00 The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes
(Heritage Handicap)
Another of those tricky Ascot races, however there is an unexposed eye-catcher in the field in the shape of Crackentorp.
He has only had four runs and the handicapper has given him every chance and he looks the one to follow.
Best of the rest include Drill Sergeant, Hatton Flight and Record Breaker.
5.35 The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions)
The longest race of the week ends proceedings, the extended 2m 5f Queen Alexandra.
No surprise to see contenders from the top NH yards.
Caracciola is now 12 years old but is showing no sigh of hanging up his saddle. The winner of last years Cesarewitch and then winning a York listed race on his seasonal debut. However he was well beaten in this contest last year.
Most of the runners have question marks hanging over them and this is not the best race of the week by any means.
Tyrrells Wood is only a four year old but is progressive and won a 2m 1f handicap at Pontefract two weeks ago. Looks progressive and will have to improve to win here, however worth a chance at a decent price.
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