Friday 23rd June 2023
Author: Jordan Yates (EvRacing_)
Welcome aboard to my Royal Ascot Preview for 2023 where I’ll be sharing my opinions on all of the action across the five-day meeting at the Berkshire track where we set to see some of the finest animals on the flat do battle. As ever, if you are punting throughout the week make sure to do it in a responsible manner. Good luck and enjoy!”
2.30 – ALBANY STAKES
SOPRANO – 9/2
“George Boughey trained two-year-old who arrives here with just the one run to date which was a winning outing at Newmarket back in May. The form of that race has worked out really well so far, with both the second and third coming out and winning since with the second also running a decent race in the Queen Mary here earlier in the work. The yard has done well with two-year-olds in recent years and I think they could have a smart one on their hands here.”
3.05 – COMMONWEALTH CUP
LITTLE BIG BEAR – EVS (NAP)
“Irish raider for Aidan O’Brien who has already tasted Group 1 success when winning the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh at the back end of last season, which followed victories in Group 3 and Listed events. He was disappointing in the 2000 Guineas this term but bounced right back to form at Haydock last time out in the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes and I think he comes into this particular assignment with a fantastic chance. Ryan Moore will do the steering and he’s a massive player.D
3.40 – DUKE OF EDINBURGH STAKES
OKITA SOUSHI – 7/1
“This is another Irish raider this time trained by Joseph O’Brien but again the mount of Ryan Moore. He made his seasonal reappearance in a Group 3 at Gowran Park back in May where he finished fifth and three lengths behind the useful Yashin, last season his form was a bit in and out, however, I think his most notable piece of form came when finishing third in the Copper Horse Handicap at last year’s Royal Meeting, and he’ll contest this off a two pound lower mark, if getting some luck in the run I think he’s got every chance of going well.”
4.20 – CORONATION STAKES
TAHIYRA – 8/13
“Irish 1000 Guineas for Dermot Weld who also went close in the English equivalent and she looks like another superstar in the making who sports the famous silks of the Aga-Khan. She’s had the measure of Meditate each time they’ve met so far and it looks difficult to see that form being reversed. If she’s anywhere near her best in this she’ll be incredibly tough to beat for the master Irish trainer, she’s very hard to oppose here.”
5.00 – SANDRINGHAM STAKES
MAGICAL SUNSET – 20/1
“Richard Hannon trained three-year-old who’s the mount of Kevin Stott here and is currently trading at a massive price of 20/1. She was last seen finishing strongly within listed company at Epsom which gives the impression that this step up in trip will really suit her. Last term she looked highly progressive and bolted up in a listed race at Haydock in October, she’s now dropped back down into handicap company and she’s got every chance of outrunning her odds.”
5.35 – KING EDWARD IV STAKES
KING OF STEEL – 11/10
“This is another Amo Racing challenger who’s set to be ridden of Kevin, this time trained by Roger Varian, King Of Steel ran a huge race in the Derby when finishing second to Auguste Rodin at a huge price on his first run of the season. Stott seemed to think that he could’ve won the race had he held onto the colt a bit longer and if he turns up in that kind of form again here he’s got to come here with a massive chance, with question marks hanging over the current form of most of his rivals .”
6.10 – PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE STAKES
HISPANIC – 16/1
“Aidan O’Brien trained runner who’s the mount of Ryan Moore and is trading at what looks like a very generous price. He was slightly disappointed on his seasonal reappearance at York when finishing down the field in a listed event, however, he was a very promising two-year-old last term, in particular when bolting up in a maiden at the Curragh by 8 lengths. Dropping into handicap company here could be what he needs and progression from the York run is very likely.”
