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Royal Ascot Day 2 – St James’s Palace Clash x Black Type Battles

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) – 14:30

Ran over 5 furlongs with 27 runners declared this should shape up to be an electric contest. American interest will be amassed with several fillies making the transatlantic trip over from stateside to compete in a race they know how to win – with 3 American winners crowned since 2016. But, I feel it pertinent to focus on the homegrown talent, of which this race has bundles. The first of these being Senorita Bonita (9/2) ridden by William Buick, this filly won on debut and despite the margin being comparitively slim to other debut winners in this field, i think she showed bags of potential. The combination of greeness and a wide trip toward the finish made it a tough task, but she knuckled down and displayed that 900,000 guineas breeze-up speed to come out on top of Fast Track (40/1) who reopposes here. Ballydoyle is represented soley by Victorious (5/1) who brings early speed and clearly stays – given both her wins have come over 6 furlongs. She will be coming home well if getting the desired stiff test. The Wathnan racing team bring 2 very promising types in Wild Blossom (13/2) and Alta Regina (15/2) who both won well by wide margins on debut. I believe the choice of James Doyle on who to ride is telling, so I’d favour the former slightly out of the pair. This opinion is reinforced by Karl Burke’s record in the race, as he has won just half of the last 4 runnings. A listed winner in Ireland on her penultimate start Velozee (25/1) represents good value if returning to form over this shorter trip than last time out at 6 furlongs.

Queens Vase (Group 2) – 15:05

A test of both stamina and speed at 1 mile 6 furlongs tomorrow afternoon with 11 confirmed. Limestone (7/2) is a rock solid option (that’s the last bad joke, I don’t promise) for Joseph O’Brien and should appreciate the extra yardage but may not be the biggest fan if the ground turns very firm. The current market principal Galiyan (9/4) won a maiden in decisive fashion last time out, he needs a step forward but i think that is expected given his price and connections. Asakir (9/1) seemed to handle the step up last time out and a more patient ride should see him make a potent move to win – hopefully not idling as seen previously when reaching the front. The top of the market being quite tightly contested in combination with the 3 places available through the presence of 11 runners, entices me to look for a possible alternative option at a larger price. A colt that was mightly impressive on debut at Newcastle and scored at Sailsbury in a similar fashion (granted it occured in a maiden) on his previous start in Wareeth (9/1) catches my eye (my non-lazy one that is!). He is stepping up in trip by a considerable 4 furlongs, which poses a question which i think he is more than capable of answering. I’m hoping he will be powering home under the tutalage of Tom Marquand.

Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) – 15:40

A race run just short of a mile for fillies, with 15 appearing here. The favourite Blue Bolt (11/4) deserves a massive amount of respect given her form and her race record finishing out of the places in just one of her races – and that was on debut. She is entitled to improve from her first run of the season and I couldn’t put you off at the prices. I think she might get even shorter towards post time. However, the horse i like in this Friendly Soul (4/1) is the only group 1 winner in this field and returned to action from a long layoff seemingly retaining all of her ability; albeit until she seemed to fall in a hole – quite literally! She too should come on for that run, and in my opinion should run a massive race for her powerful Gosden stable under Oisin Murphy. Notably, there are plenty of horses in this with sound chances also, the likes of Kon Tiki (10/1) who reopposes the favourite and Catalina Delcarpio (13/2) who put it to the boys last time out and should prove competitve. She’s Perfect (25/1) has the form in the book to be competitive in a race of this nature and connections will be hoping the switch to better ground and the application of cheekpieces can revive her.

Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) – 16:20

1 mile 1 furlong on the round track at Ascot and a race that on paper looks like a match between last years Arc winner Daryz (5/4), and last years conqueror of this race Ombudsman (5/4). The former has displayed his ability and versatility twice already this season in France for trips short of his Arc triumph at 1 mile.4 furlongs – and he would surely be the banker of the week for most if the rain arrived in any decent quantity. However, as it stands the ground is good to firm, this will suit the latter massively and he should be powering away from the pacemakers at some point in the straight. A well run race ensured by these pacemakers will suit Minnie Hauk (11/2) who was just beaten into 2nd by the reopposing Daryz in the Arc, her reappearance run can be forgiven on the account of the way the race was run (slowed and quickened throughout) and the fact she was found to be slightly lame after the fact. Despite this, a bigger challenge to the front two in the market could be presented by the improving 5 year old Almaqam (7/1) who won the tattersalls Irish Gold cup last time out. He stretched away from the front that day and should improve for the run slightly. But, the ground may prove on the quick side for him on this occasion.

To Conclude

Looks like a great day of racing, hopefully it lives up to todays standards. Best of luck if you’re having a bet and stay tuned for tomorrows upload!

Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) – 14:30

• Senorita Bonita (9/2) EW
• Wild Blossom (13/2) EW
• Velozee (25/1) EW

Queens Vase (Group 2) – 15:05

• Galiyan (9/4)
• Wareeth (9/1) EW

Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) – 15:40

• Friendly Soul (4/1)
• Kon Tiki (10/1) EW

Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) – 16:20

• Ombudsman (5/4) NAP