SHAMROCK AT ROYAL ASCOT: For the final six races this week. It’s been a mixed week for the Irish trained runners so far this week in Berkshire. Can they finish with a flourish on Saturday ?
2:30 Chesham Stakes (Listed) (2yo, Class 1, 7f, 14 runners)
There’s a strong Irish and American challenge in the opener. US based trainer Wesley Ward has already had an impressive two-year-old winner this week and his two runners Cordero and Crown The Kitten clearly both have to be respected. The Irish challenge comes from Dick Whittington (Aidan O’Brien) and Toscanini (Mick Halford). Dick Whittington stayed on strongly at the end of 5f 182y when winning easily at Navan last week and gave the impression this trip will suit, whilst Toscanini only went down by a head to Kool Kompany at Naas but the winner rather let the form down in the Coventry Stakes here on Tuesday. Preference has to be for Dick Whittington.
3:05 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (3yo+, Class 2, 1m 4f, 18 runners)
A rare race this week without an Irish representative.
3:45 Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (4yo+, Class 1, 1m 4f, 10 runners)
Eye of The Storm, a son of Galileo, runs for Aidan O’Brien here. He’s been running well over longer distances including when fourth to Gold Cup third Missunited at Leopardstown in the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown. I’m not convinced the drop back in trip will be to his liking though and this is a race I will swerve.
4:25 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (British Champions Series & Global Sprint Challenge) (Group 1) (3yo+, Class 1, 6f, 15 runners)
Two from Aidan O’Brien here and I’m very sweet on the chances of Due Diligence. Formerly trained in America, he seems very much to be still on the upgrade and was impressive when making all the running to win a Listed race at Naas last time out in great form. This is obviously a much tougher test but he certainly appeals win and place on BETDAQ. He is much preferred to the stables other runner Darwin who was bitterly disappointing on his reappearance at the Curragh.
5:00 Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (3yo+, Class 2, 6f, 28 runners)
David Marnane saddles two, including the 2012 winner Dandy Boy who is preferred to Nocturnal Affair. Marnane reports Dandy Boy to be grand form: “I was pretty pleased with his run in Naas the other day on ground and over a trip that didn’t suit. He’s training every bit as well as he ever has since we’ve had him. Fingers crossed he’ll get his fast ground and a strong-run race.” Both those factors are guaranteed and I’ll have a little interest on the place market.
5:35 Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (4yo+, Class 2, 2m 5f 159y, 15 runners)
Willie Mullins won this two years ago with Simenon and can strike again with the grey Pique Sous who remains lightly raced and ready for this extreme test of stamina. He has graded winning form over jumps and was particularly impressive on the flat when winning a Leopardstown handicap two starts ago.
SHAMROCK’S BETS:
NAP: Pique Sous (5.35 Royal Ascot)
NEXT BEST: Dick Whittington (2.30 Royal Ascot)
WIN AND PLACE: Due Diligence (4.25 Royal Ascot)
PLACE: Dandy Boy (5.00 Royal Ascot)
NEW !!!
You can now follow BETDAQ updates on Google+
For further details – CLICK HERE
£25 NO LOSE FREE BET
Did you know that as well as checking the realtime prices on BETDAQ below – you can also log into your account and place your bets directly into BETDAQ from BETDAQ TIPS.
