Royal Ascot Day Three

Well yesterday didn't go to plan at all, Chachamaidee being the most positive result just being beat into second by Joviality. You cant help but feel that she would have won had she not missed the break as badly as she did.

One last thing before we begin day three. Curlin had his first runner as a sire tonight at Kempton, Savanna La Mar. I was very impressed by how she handled all the preliminaries and didn't bat an eyelid to going in the stalls. Throughout the race she travelled powerfully and got into top gear a bit too late just being denied. She will be winning next time out over further.

On we go.

2:30 Ascot - Norfolk Stakes - Cay Verde - This one has already won for the blog when successful last time out at The Curragh in Ireland. In truth I have followed Mick Channon's colt since his first run when an encouraging fifth at Newbury, following up by routing a good field over course and distance. Windsor Castle winner Hototo was soundly behind in second that day. After winning pretty comfortably last time out, in my opinion all he needs to do is turn up to win this race today. Notable that Mick Channon has booked Craig Williams (jockey of Ortensia) to ride this afternoon. (NAP)

3:05 Ascot - Ribblesdale Stakes - Vow - Possibly a strange one in some people's opinions. But I have no doubt in my mind that if the Oaks was run on a flat course (like today) she would have come out on top. It was clear that she absolutely hated the track at Epsom when hanging down the camber all the way down the straight. The Fugue didn't get a clear run in her own right but handled the course a lot better than the selection today. William Haggas' filly is worth another try on this flat track. Princess Highway could be the biggest danger.

3:45 Ascot - Gold Cup - Saddler's Rock - One that I have fancied for some time now ever since beating Opinion Poll pretty easily in the Doncaster Cup last year. He has ran once since then and John Oxx had made it no secret that it was only to be a prep run for a crack at this race. That day he beat Unaccompanied by a length which was marginally longer than Fame and Glory beat her before that. He will be much more straight for that run and should take all the beating today.

4:25 Ascot - Britannia Stakes - Prince Alzain - A much improved performance last time at Epsom when 3rd to Laffan in a Handicap. He was staying on in very taking style over the 7 furlongs to be beaten just under 2 lengths, that was his first time in a handicap and the step up in trip will be in his favour. Before that he had been outclassed by Thought Worthy and Noble Mission, but handicapping looks where his near future lies. A real chance in a competitive race.

Trader Jack - One that isn't much of a price, but there is a perfectly good reason for that in a sense that he ran Grandeur (next race) to 2 and a quarter lengths from level weights. He is up 3 pounds from that day to a mark of 91 but that shouldn't be enough to prevent a good run today. Roger Charlton and James Doyle have got off to a flyer this season and it would be no surprise if this one were to pop up today.

5:00 Ascot - Tercentenary Stakes - Grandeur - One that I am still adamant will make up into a group performer, he ran very well last time at Epsom when not really handling the course. He was still an unlucky loser that day behind Wrotham Heath, who he should reverse placings with today. Usually William Buick rides this one for Jeremy Noseda, he is retained by John Gosden today but I suppose Frankie Dettori isn't the worst replacement in the world. 7/1 is available in a few places tonight, which is far too big a price, wont be out of the places and should win. (NB)

5:35 Ascot - King George V Stakes - Prussian - She won a strong handicap last time out at Redcar, She is raised 3 pounds for that effort which shouldn't take too much of a toll on her. She was the first one off the bridle that day and didn't get going for a while, she took every yard of the trip to really get going in to full stride. She steps up in trip as a result of that today and despite not being the first string for Sheikh Hamdan she should go close.

Uriah Heep - Disappointing at Chester last time out but he didn't handle the track, before that he was a head behind Minimise Risk who went on to run a decent enough race in the Derby. His last two runs have been on softer ground, this may not be ideal for him and the return to good ground will see further improvement in him this afternoon. First time in a handicap today should see him go close.

Usually I just write about single bets, but there is a Lucky 15 that I am confident of, these 4 are Cay Verde, Vow, Saddler's Rock and Grandeur.

Happy Punting