Good morning all,

The weather is about to change big time over the next couple of days. If the weather forecasters are right Ascot could see as much as 60mm of rain up until Saturday. It’s going to make punting a bit of a nightmare. I would advise plenty of caution on the betting side over the next few days and wait until you know exactly how much rain has fallen.

The day two Royal Ascot highlight was Love’s win in the Prince Of Wales Stakes. Returning from a 300-day absence. There was surprisingly little confidence behind her in the market, despite Lord North being pulled out due to the fast ground she was allowed to go off at a very generous 11/10.

Making all, Love faced a big challenge from Audarya at the furlong mark but she found plenty for jockey Ryan Moore’s urgings to hold on for a decisive success.  The 1m 2f distance is probably on the short side for her and it will take a very good horse to lower her colours over 1m 4f.

Royal Ascot – Day 3

The juveniles get day three underway with the Norfolk Stakes (2:30) and the card ends with three tough looking handicaps. The feature race of the day and of the meeting is the Ascot Gold Cup (4:15), in which Stradivarius bids to win the race for a fourth successive year.

I’m going to assume that the 28mm of rains arrives overnight which means the going should have plenty of juice in it.

2:30 – Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) – 5f

I’m sweet on the chance of the Aidan O’Brien trained colt Cadamosto until the rain arrives. The son of No Nay Never created a good impression when winning at Dundalk on his racecourse debut in April and looks a smart prospect.

Twilight Jet showed improved form to win at the third time of asking at Tipperary (good) 16-days ago. There should be more to come from the colt who was suited by the strong pace last time.

Project Dante showed a good battling attitude to win at York on his racecourse debut. The form of that race looks solid and he merits serious consideration. His dam won on good to soft so there’s a good chance he will be effective on an easier surface.

Trainer David Loughnane had the first two home in the final handicap here yesterday. He saddles Go Bears Go who won over C&D on his racecourse debut last month.  The ground was soft that day so we know he handles rain softened ground. Its hard to say whether stall five is good or not but he’s my idea of the winner.

3:05 – Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 2f

Mohaafeth a late withdrawal from the Derby on account of the softening ground will be a warm order here. However, will the exciting colt run?

One Ruler will appreciate any rain. He was only 6^th in the Derby. He likely didn’t stay 1m 4f and didn’t handle Epsom undulations either. Capable of better back at 1m 2f.

Roman Empire has them all stretched when trying to make all in the Dante and wasn’t beaten far in 4^th. No issues with ease in the ground but needs to improve again to win this.

Movin Time made a winning seasonal reappearance when quickening clear of eight rivals in a Newmarket maiden last month. The form of that race got a boost here yesterday when the runner-up Kemari won the Queen Vase. An exciting prospect who can give the favourite a race.

3:40 – Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) – 1m 4f

Noon Star runner-up to subsequent Oaks winner Snowfall in the Musidora at York was forced to miss Epsom due to a blood disorder. The filly won a maiden at Nottingham on soft ground so ground shouldn’t be an issue and she’s bred to improve for the step up to 1m 4f.

Dubai Fountain only beat two home in the Oaks, possibly was unsuited by the track. The Cheshire Oaks winner is surely better than she was able to show at Epsom and back on a more conventual track should be in the mix.

Eshaada comes into the race bidding for the hat trick after wins at Nottingham last season and Newbury last month. Both those successes came on soft ground so any rain won’t inconvenience her. Shapes like she should stay 1m 4f.

Gloria Mundi was a neck behind Eshaada at Newbury and she’s bred to improve over 1m 4f. Needs to settle better than she did last time though.  Yard have saddled the winner of the Ribblesdale in three of the last four seasons. One of three runners from the yard.

Divinely improved to finish third in the Oaks last time and given she raced more to the centre of the track was a bit unlucky not to finish runner-up. Capable of another good run if this race doesn’t come too quick.

Ad Infinitum was thrown in the deep end, on just her second career start, in a Listed race at Goodwood. However, that didn’t stop her from winning. Not sure how strong the form is but it was run on soft ground and the daughter of Golden Horn is going the right way and has an each-way chance.

4:15 – Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) – 2m 4f

Stradivarius bids for fourth Gold Cup success. Clearly, he’s the one to beat. However. I do think this is a much stronger field than he faced last year.

Trueshan relished the testing ground when bolting up here in the Long-Distance Cup on Champions Day.  He will be sharper for his Chester reappearance and the softer the ground the better his chance of beating an on-song Stradivarius.

Spanish Mission won the Yorkshire Cup on his seasonal reappearance and showed he stayed 2m 2f when winning last year’s Doncaster Cup. Has a good turn of foot for a stayer and can’t be totally dismissed here but his chance would be enhanced on quicker ground.

Twilight Payment won last year’s Melbourne Cup. He stays 2m but a real test over 2m 4f could just stretch his stamina.

Subjectivist made all to win the 2m Group 1 Prix Royal Oak (Heavy) at Longchamp on his final start of 2020 and looked as good as ever when winning the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan on World Cup Night. Every chance he will stay 2m 4f and although he needs to improve a bit further its possible, he can.

Emperor Of The Sun is a lively enough outsider. The 4-year-old won a 1m 6f Listed race at Leopardstown last time. A good chance he will stay this marathon trip and has each way claims if doing so.

Princess Zoe hasn’t been at her best on either start this season but must be respected on the form of her win in the Group 1 Prix Du Cadran (heavy) over today’s distance. The mare is at her best on soft/heavy ground and has lively each way claims if the track gets a deluge of rain.

Royal Ascot Selection:

Today’s selection goes in the first and I'm hoping they had plenty of rain overnight.

2:30 – Go Bears Go – 9/1 – Gen

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Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John

John Burke is the tipster behind the long standing Victor Value service you can join him here – https://victorvalue.uk