With today’s races outside Royal Ascot not appealing it is worth looking ahead to tomorrow’s big meeting.
(3.05) Kensington Palace Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2)
A wide open affair with Ralph Beckett’s Tamarama heading the market at 5/1. The one that sticks out on the clock is Joseph O’Brien’s 4-y-o ADELAISE. An eyecatching seasonal debut (112) behind Rahmi (113) in one of the hottest handicaps of the season so far on the clock from the daughter of Lawman. A midfield position was taken from a nice draw in stall (3) that day. It was noticeable that she was stopped in her run twice before running on very nicely at the finish to be just beaten a half a length. Racing off just a 1lb higher handicap mark from a decent draw in stall (11) and with Mikey Sheehy taking the ride again, a reproduction of that effort should see her very competitive in this handicap.
(5.00) Royal Hunt Cup Handicap (Class 2)
One of the most competitive handicaps of the season with Roger Varian’s Perotto the 7/1 favourite at the moment. Once again I am going back to the Premier Handicap that Rahmi won at The Curragh and our old favourite DUNUM (112). This son of Ivawood first came to my attention when trained by Patrick Eugene Turley and running a very nice race from stall (13) at Dundalk in May 2021 behind International Lady. To say I was gutted when he was betaen a head at 33/1 behind Fennor Cross off a handicap mark of (54) next time out would be an understatement. Well here we are nearly two years later having won five of his last seven races for his current trainer Miss Natalia Lupini and running in the Royal Hunt Cup off a mark of (97). The progression has been amazing and his most recent race was a career best on the clock beaten just a short head. It would be impossible to know where the improvement ends and he warrants a bet at double figure odds. I will also be having two sporting investments on MAJESTIC and DUAL IDENTITY who tie-in on the formline of their run in last years Cambridgeshire at Newmarket. Dual Identity won his race on the far side from stall (6) that day and it was noticeable that he was the only one from those that raced on the far side to finish in the first nine. He is now 10lbs better off with Majestic for that run and is racing off just a 1lb higher mark. He has been coming back into form with his three runs this year and as first reserve just needs one to come out to take his chance. Majestic’s chance is obvious as he has been knocking on the door in big handicaps this year just beaten 1.75L by George Bougheys Cadillac lto at Epsom. The handicapper has left him unchanged from his mark of (92) and the drop back to the mile could see more improvement. All three horses are drawn low and it is hoped that Isla Kai can take them into the race far enough to give them a chance with the other side which may have the more pace on it with Quantico, Reach For The Moon and Point Lynas leading.
(6.10) Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) (2yo)
A 26 runner field of unexposed two year olds wouldn’t be my cup of tea usually, but I can’t resist a small interest in the Karl Burke trained WORLD OF DARCY (107). I feel that if Elite Status hadn’t run in that National Stakes at Sandown the selection would have looked a decent winner and wouldn’t be such a big price. We know he got outpaced that day and stayed on well up the hill, and that Ascot is a less taxing 5f event. Still if they go a fast pace that may play into this colt’s hands. As we know Karl Burke is a bit of a dab hand with these types and it would be no surprise if there was more to come.
1.5pt e/way Adelaise (8/1 5 places Paddy Power/Coral/Boyles/Ladbrokes) 3.05 Ascot
1pt e/way Dunum (16/1 6 places William Hill/Coral 14/1 Generally) 5.00 Ascot
1pt e/way Dual Identity (33/1 6 places William Hill 25/1 Generally) 5.00 Ascot
1pt e/way Majestic (25/1 6 places William Hill 20/1 Generally) 5.00 Ascot
1pt e/way World Of Darcy (16/1 5 places Skybet/Coral/Ladbrokes) 6.10 Ascot