Hi all,
It's only days until the start of the Galway and Goodwood Festivals. However, in today’s main piece, I’m looking at the best of Saturday’s action at Ascot and York
On the eve of the Goodwood and Galway Festivals. Ascot’s eight race card, featuring the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, offers a thrilling mix of Group races and competitive handicaps. The Group 1 race is the highlight of the day.
ITV will cover four of the eight Ascot races live this afternoon. I previously previewed the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the International Stakes (Heritage Handicap) in Wednesday and Thursday’s columns. If you haven’t read them, you can find them here.
Today, I’ll focus on two other Ascot races on ITV and the feature race at York, the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes.
Ascot
Source: Racing Post
1:50 – Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) – 6f
Simmering, who showed promise with a third-place finish on debut, followed by a strong second in the Group 3 Albany Stakes, is the one to beat. She faces four last-time-out winners: Alice Fairfax, Handcuffed, Mandurah, and Definitive. These horses are all open to improvement, particularly the latter three with only one start each.
Definitive, who benefited from a low draw at Haydock, showed quality by overcoming trouble in the run and looks a smart juvenile, making her a good alternative for those opposing the favourite.
2:25 – Longines Valiant Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) – 1m
Devoted Queen, impressive in completing a hat trick in a Listed race at York, has been absent since but could continue to improve. Very likeable claims of maintaining her unbeaten record.
Friendly Soul, a smart filly who won the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes on her seasonal return, was disappointing in the Musidora at York. However, she still holds plenty of potential and isn’t best judged on her last run.
Doom, highly regarded by trainer Willie Haggas, delivered a career-best when third in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes over the course and distance at the Royal meeting. A career-best will be needed, but she may be capable of it.
3:40 – King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1) – 1m 4f
This year's race, while good, isn't a vintage renewal. Nine runners are declared, with Aidan O’Brien training three: Auguste Rodin, Luxembourg, and Hans Anderson, the latter likely to set a strong pace. Auguste Rodin’s draw in stall 2 isn’t ideal, with stalls 1 & 2 yielding no winners from 18 runners over the last decade.
Here’s my race tissue.
Auguste Rodin – 15/8
Rebels Romance – 3/1
Luxembourg – 8/1
Bluestocking – 9/1
Middle Earth – 14/1
Dubai Honour – 20/1
Sunway – 20/1
Goliath – 33/1
Hans Anderson – 1000/1.
Verdict:
While Auguste Rodin remains the most likely winner, his odds and draw are not appealing. Stablemate Luxumbourg is good value at present odds, but I think he will be ridden to aid the favourite so I’m leaving him alone. Rebel Romance, a consistent Group 1 performer internationally, offers better value at 3/1 or higher.
York
3:15 – Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 2 ½ f
With Ancient Rome a non-runner, just four contenders remain. All—Passenger, Alflaila, King’s Gambit, and Royal Rhyme—are capable of winning. The race lacks a clear front-runner, which is likely to disadvantage last year’s winner Alflaila despite a good return at Royal Ascot.
Passenger, who impressed in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at Chester, missed two Group 1’s due to injury, carries a 3lb penalty here. King’s Gambit, the sole 3-year-old, showed promise to win the London Gold Cup and was unlucky in the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot.
Royal Rhyme, who prefers softer ground, might lead, but underfoot conditions are not ideal.
Verdict:
The race could come down to which of Passenger and King’s Gambit can settle best. It’s going to be a tactical race, and one to watch rather than bet on for me.
If you're interested in my previews for the Goodwood and Galway Festivals, you can get them for just £10. Book your place here https://bluedelta.thrivecart.com/victor-value-glorious-goodwood/.
Saturday Selection
Ascot
3:40 – Rebal Romance.
I'll be back on Monday with my review of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, along with a look at the Galway Festival, which kicks off on the same day.
Good luck with your Saturday bets!
John