Royal Ascot Day 5
If you, like the Star Spreads tipping team, are in trouble going into the last day of Royal Ascot the card offers little encouragement for finding a ‘getting out’ stakes but like all good punters we will try.
The card starts with the Chesham Stakes over 7f. Although not the highest profile of the 2yo races run throughout the week, this looks a fiercely competitive renewal. Jim Bolger is not known for over facing his juveniles and Freedom Square is expected to run a big race at double digit odds. The Lawman colt has improved for each of his runs and stepped up on his previous form when encountering a fast surface for the 1st time when breaking his maiden last time out. He has further improvement and could represent the best each way value in the race.
1pt e/w Freedom Square 2.30 Royal Ascot
The Hardwicke Stakes has Ektihaam and Mount Athos vying for overnight favouritism. Despite his ability to handle the fast ground, that has prevailed all week at Ascot, I am happy to oppose Mount Athos. Although dotting up in the Ormonde Stakes he was fully entitled to do this against sub-standard opponents for a Group 3 contest. I will be looking closely at any match bets on offer against his market rival Ektihaam. Roger Varian appears to have found the key to Ektihaam and his confidence boosting win in Listed company, at this course in May, will stand him in good stead. Whilst he is unlikely to be allowed the soft lead he was afforded in that race he is likely to improve enough to see off Mount Athos in a match bet.
Sir John Hawkwood could be the unexposed horse in the race and looks likely to appreciate the ground having 2 wins to his name on good to firm. There is still each way value in him at the overnight 8/1.
1pt e/w @ 8/1 Sir John Hawkwood 3.05 Royal Ascot
If we don’t make our money in the first two races the temptation will be to draw stumps as the card does not get any easier from there on in.
I find it difficult to oppose Society Rock in the Diamond Jubilee but his consistency is a concern and to take 4/1 about him in this competitive Group 1 does not represent value. A small each way play on Rosdhu Queen should give us a run for our money. She has been given a nice break since she palpably failed to stay in the Fred Darling and her recent work has been encouraging.
0.5pt e/w @ 16/1 Rosdhu Queen 3.45 Royal Ascot
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