Royal Ascot at York - Day 2 (15 June 2005)

As predicted yesterday, racing at this festival is ‘extremely’ competitive with many leading fancies failing to produce on the day. The wheels of racing move on to day two of the festival and yet again there are no ‘bankers’ that can be relied upon. With rain forecasted later in the day conditions could change dramatically so; another minor assault on the tote placepot and small targeted bets are the order for today.

Horse numbers in (brackets)

2:30 7f - Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) 3yo
In research, weight penalties for Group 3/listed wins seem to screw up the chances of the leading fancies. I will side with (23) Luas Line who was 3rd in the Irish Guineas and (5) Obe Gold (½ pt place) who is well drawn in stall 8 and positioned along with other pace horses drawn in stalls 10, 12, 14.

3:05 1m - Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) 4yo+
(2) Airwave, (8) Tarfah

3:45 1m 2f - Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) 4yo+
(2) Azamour, (8) Ouija Board

4:20 1m - Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) 3yo+
An absolute nightmare of a race and a potential placepot buster (if I’ve made it this far). No winning favourite in the previous 6 meetings eliminates Eden Rock. As this race is on the turning course low drawn horses are favoured. So, placepot selections are (19) My Paris and (15) Ballast along with (11) New Seeker plus a small ½ point win investment in each runner.

4:55 5f - Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) 2yo
The rational for the selections are pace (there is plenty in this race and I suspect that horses coming off the pace will prevail) and winning form outside maiden company. (2) Bow Bridge and (5) Clare Hills

5:30 1m - Sandringham Handicap (Listed Race) (Class 1) 3yo
Similar to the 4:30 race, on the round course, low’ish drawn horses are preferred. (13) Tahrir, (8)Bon Nuit .