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The Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Royal Ascot tips: ‘He'll power home like the class act he is' – Templegate's bullish 11-2 NAP on day four
TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Royal Ascot confident of bashing the bookies. Back a horse by clicking their odds below - and bag yourself some of our best free bet offers. ZAHRANN (5.35 Ascot, nap) Zahrann is the man in the £250,000 King Edward VII Stakes. He looked like a machine when winning a Listed contest at Leopardstown last time despite being green on just his third run. He picked up strongly and powered home like a class act. Trainer Johnny Murtagh tasted lots of Ascot success as a jockey and has a potential superstar on his hands. ETHICAL DIAMOND (3.40 Ascot, nb) Pulled too hard when fourth in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. He has since improved over hurdles and Ryan Moore can settle him better to land the win. Can add to Aidan O'Brien's brilliant tally with his two-year-olds this week. This daughter of Frankel looked really promising when finishing third on debut in a Naas Group 3. The yard's juveniles usually come on a bundle for their first outing. 2.30 SIGNORA can turn the tables on Green Sense from their clash at Naas last month. That Group 3 was the tip's debut and she was very green and not asked too many questions. With Royal Ascot winners on both sides of her pedigree, she's got the profile to take a big step forward second time out. Green Sense herself had previously brushed aside the colts when winning at The Curragh on debut and is in the place picture. Fitzella impressed when making all at Haydock after a close second at Ascot. She beat Tahalel – who will improve for that run – comfortably and looks a player. Venetian Sun justified favouritism at Carlisle when ridden out to score, and the form of that race stands up. With improvement expected over this extra furlong, she won't be far away. Gold Digger showed promise when winning at Yarmouth and Jamie Spencer suits her hold-up style. 3.05 BABOUCHE is on the loose in today's £725,000 Group 1 Commonwealth Cup (3.05). She has looked speedy for Irish trainer Ger Lyons and was good enough to blow away Aidan O'Brien's Whistlejacket in last year's Phoenix Stakes. Babouche warmed up with a smooth Group 3 success at Naas last time and can improve again under top rider Colin Keane who is desperate to reward his loyal gaffer with a big winner. Shadow Of Light ran a cracker when third in the 2,000 Guineas. He showed loads of boot but didn't stay the mile. This should be an ideal trip. Templegate's runner-by-runner guide to the Commonwealth Cup AIN'T NOBODY 2 BODY blow. Royal Ascot winner last year and holding form well in Group races including when fifth in the Sandy Lane last time. He goes on any ground and likes it here but he looks a Mr Nobody in this. ARABIE 1 BYE Bie. Dual French Group winner at two but not progressed. Blinkers didn't spark much at Chantilly. Has looked short of Group 1 class. ARIZONA BLAZE 3 HOT Blaze. Group 3 winner and no disgrace when sixth at Haydock last time. Looks a pure speed horse and likely to force the pace again. Won't mind this ground and has a decent draw. Needs more to win but has a place shout. BERKSHIRE WHISPER 2 SHIRE hell. Did well on the sand this winter over this trip. This is tougher on turf but he's tough and improving. Trainer's red-hot but this is much the stiffest opposition he's faced. BIG MOJO 4 BIG player. Won Pavilion Stakes at Ascot and shaped well again in the Sandy Lane last time. He always gives his running and went close at the Breeders' Cup. Has speed, gears and heart – solid each-way contender with course form in the bank. DIABLO ROJO 2 ROJO no. Neck second to Big Mojo in the Pavilion Stakes and showed decent pace there. He likes to come from just off a strong pace and should get that here. He'll be doing his best work late so will need some luck in running. Looks a bit short of this standard. IDES OF MARCH 3 BEWARE Ides. Curragh Group 3 winner last summer and twice placed in Listed company this season. Didn't quite fire when held in a Newbury Listed contest last time but was fine with this trip. He's solid and doesn't mind quick ground. Faces smarter rivals here but won't be far away from the frame. JONQUIL 4 JON the money. Beaten just a head in French 2,000 Guineas and landed the Greenham before that over seven furlongs. He's taking a fair drop back in trip here but trainer Andrew Balding reckons he has six-furlong speed. Fascinating contender making his sprinting debut. SHADOW OF LIGHT 4 LIGHT fantastic. Dewhurst and Middle Park winner last year. Lost unbeaten record when third in the 2,000 Guineas but travelled powerfully and was just outstayed. The effort screamed six furlongs and Charlie Appleby has wasted no time. Very classy and a major threat despite yard's dire recent Royal record. SOLDIER'S HEART 2 HEART not in it. Ripon Listed winner last year and fifth at Chantilly on return after long break. Clearly needed it and will strip fitter now. Capable at this level, but will need his very best form. STRONG WARRIOR 2 WARR needs more. Unbeaten in first two and just edged out on handicap debut at Windsor. Lightly raced with a big engine he is clearly talented — but this is a huge step up in class. WHISTLEJACKET 4 JACK in the box. Top juvenile last year and Group 1 winner in France over this trip. Been beaten by Babouche twice but still ran with credit. Clearly has Group 1 class and acts on all ground. Middle draw looks good and Ryan Moore in the saddle. ARABIAN DUSK 3 DUSK may dawn. Duchess Of Cambridge winner and close second in the Sandy Lane at Haydock last time. Proven over six furlongs, handles all going and thrives in big fields. Tactically versatile so worth a place shout at long odds. BABOUCHE 5 LAND a touche. Phoenix Stakes winner last season and looked right back to best when thrashing Whistlejacket in the Lacken. Quickens up smartly and stays well. Peaking at the right time and is a major player from what should be an ideal draw. CARLA RIDGE 2 HIGH Ridge. Maiden winner at Naas and placed behind Babouche in Group 3 at Naas last time. Probably needs 7f and likely to find this test too sharp at this stage. Still learning but big task in this company. LADY WITH THE LAMP 3 LAMP lit. Improving filly with Listed wins on turf and AW this season. Got up late to win at Chelmsford latest and finishes strongly. Yet to prove she's Group 1 class but arrives in form and trainer going well — outside each-way squeak. LEOVANNI 3 VAN can motor. Won Queen Mary last year and finished full of running after traffic problems in fourth on return at Haydock. Might be peaking again just in time. Strong traveller and each-way shout if things open up. RAYEVKA 3 RAY of light. French Listed winner last time, quickened smartly and pulled clear late over this trip. One of the least exposed in the field and could be dangerous if she gets cover and delivers late which won't be easy. SAYIDAH DARIYAN 2 SAY no. Consistent filly who's been steadily climbing the ranks. with a Listed third last time. She lacks star quality but never runs a bad race. Likely to find a few of these too good. SHISOSPICY 2 TOO Spicy. American raider who landed a hat-trick on quick ground at Churchill Downs. An unknown quantity and not ruled out for a place — although US horses often fail to stay this far. SKY MAJESTY 2 SKY fall. Group 2 winner in France last season in the mud but only third on return at Chelmsford behind Sayidah Dariyan. Must bounce back sharply to get seriously involved here but this is just her fifth run. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 SANDALS has boot. Narrowly beaten in a French Group 3 last time and improving with every run. Has speed, class and trainer Harry Eustace is in excellent form. Low draw not ideal but one of many in the field who could place at long odds. 3.40 ETHICAL DIAMOND was a close fourth in this race last year off just 2lb lower when pulling too hard. He's since finished a strong fourth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and wears a hood for the first time on the Flat. If that helps Ryan Moore to settle him, he clearly has the engine for a race like this. The biggest threat may come from Stressfree, who was narrowly denied by Almosh'her at York before swooping late to win a good race at Haydock. He's had a nudge up the weights but his 1m4f form is stacking up nicely. Almosh'her himself has done little wrong, winning three of four starts. Now with Wathnan Racing, he's drawn wide and has tended to race freely, which could test his progress under pressure. French Duke is another key player. He was progressing well last season, winning at Goodwood and finishing second here in October. He remains unexposed. Auld Toon Loon is flying for his new yard and was just denied at Chester last time. He stays 1m4f and is still on the upgrade. 4.20 FALAKEYAH can repay the faith of her connections who forked out £46,000 to supplement her for this race. She caught the eye on her sole juvenile start on the sand but really came to the fore when making all in Listed company at Newmarket last time. She raced keenly over 1m2f there but simply wasn't for catching and the drop back in trip here could suit. She skipped both the English and French Oaks with this challenge in mind. Zarigana is the obvious threat. A granddaughter of the mighty Zarkava, she was awarded the French 1,000 Guineas by the stewards after interference and went down narrowly in the Boussac last year. She's won four of her last five and her upward curve may not have peaked yet. Exactly, third in that same French Guineas, brings toughness and consistency. She's never run a bad race and could easily be in the mix again for Ballydoyle. Although she's not the choice of Ryan Moore who is on January. She was second in the Fillies' Mile last season and looked rusty in the Irish Guineas on comeback. She should leave that form behind here. Kon Tiki is unexposed and unbeaten in three, with a Listed win at York the latest step forward. William Buick gets the leg up for the first time for Jane Chapple-Hyam who doesn't chase rainbows. Chantilly Lace wasn't disgraced when fifth in the 1,000 Guineas and is open to more. Cercene has shown consistency without winning, while Duty First looks better over 7f and may struggle to stay. Cathedral has plenty to prove after a tame reappearance and, like Simmering, looks well short of this standard. 5.00 SILVER GHOST can spook the bookies for trainer Emma Lavelle. She bolted up in seven-furlong handicaps on good ground at Newmarket and Goodwood, travelling strongly and looking classy. The handicapper reacted with an 8lb hike but that may not be enough to put the brakes on. The step up to a mile looks ideal for this fast-improving type. The King has an each-way chance with Purple Rainbow who needed the run on comeback here in April and Warren Fentiman is good value for his 5lb claim. Miss Nightfall met trouble in running when second to the tip at Goodwood and also shapes as if this stiff mile will suit. Sea Poetry looks potentially overpriced given her HQ win last season reads well and she hasn't been disgraced behind good sorts this term. Sandringham Stakes trends Stick with horses that finished in the first three last time. Tabiti, Serving With Style, Mojave River, Sweet Chariot, Amangani, Nancy J, Trad Jazz, Cartwheel, Purple Rainbow and Bassadanza. Oolong Poobong, Saariselka, Dash Of Azure, Cajole, Sea Poetry, Annsar, Dancing Teapot, Alfareqa, Ryke, Arabian Leopard and Eazy On The Eye are too low in the official ratings. Bountiful has been off for too long and can be crossed out. A win this season is a plus so Betty Clover, Serving With Style, Miss Nightfall and Never Let Go can go. That leaves Silver Ghost, Supermodel and Zgharta. SUPERMODEL looks good for William Haggas who has a strong record in handicaps like this. The other two are backable at each-way prices and are well drawn so have every chance of making the frame. Tabiti could outclass these if handling a big-field handicap. She won a Group 3 before finishing midfield in the Fillies' Mile and returns in first-time blinkers on handicap debut. Irish raider Dancing Teapot looks the type to improve plenty now handicapping in cheekpieces. Never Let Go was unlucky not to win a Listed race last time – this stiff mile might be right up her alley. Dash Of Azure was impressive at Kempton on comeback and won't be far away for Ralph Beckett. 5.35 ZAHRANN is a colt who still doesn't know how good he is. He missed the kick and was green as grass in a Leopardstown Listed race last time yet still burned past all of them to win going away. That was just his third run and the way he did it – powering clear despite inexperience – screamed Group 1 potential. If he grows up a bit, they might not see which way he went. The unbeaten Amiloc is the obvious danger. He comes here with a perfect record after four wins including at Listed level. He stayed on strongly at Goodwood and will be even more dangerous if settling better. Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore team up with Puppet Master who's improving with every run. He won the Lingfield Derby Trial last time after shaping well in the Ballysax. He's a threat. Don't rule out Convergent, who finished third in the Chester Vase. He was behind Lambourn and Lazy Griff – the Derby first and second. That's rock-solid form and he's still learning his craft. Wimbledon Hawkeye has turned up for every dance. He was second in the Craven, fifth in the Guineas, third in the Dante. He's gritty, reliable and should stay the trip with cheekpieces added. He has every chance of making the frame. Nightwalker bombed at Epsom but that wasn't his track – and it showed. He finished well in the Dante and now gets blinkers on a proper galloping course. That should bring improvement. Galveston cost 'The Lads' at Ballydoyle a cool £2m and showed more when winning at Naas last month. This longer trip should suit him. It's early days for Opportunity who was behind Amiloc at Goodwood after being hampered. He could close the eight-length gap between them today. 6.10 REALIGN can strike on handicap debut from what looks a lenient opening mark of 93. William Haggas' colt oozed class at Salisbury last month, hammering his rivals on comeback. That was over six furlongs but he's got more than enough pace for this drop to the minimum. Stormy Impact looks dangerous after rattling home to win the Epsom 3YO Dash in some style. She's up 5lb but has a blistering turn of foot and this stiffer track might suit even better. Ruby's Profit was a good third in that race when forcing the pace and is back from the same handicap mark with a chance. He was beaten by Redorange at Chester last month who made the most of a good draw. He's 9lb higher now so will have to pull out more. Hammer The Hammer made it three wins on the spin at Chester with lots left in the locker. He's another who has been racing over further but he likes to blast off from the front so this stiff five furlongs should be fine. Jorge Alvares warrants respect after a decent effort at The Curragh 16 days ago. He looks fairly handicapped for Ger Lyons. Maw Lam drops down from Listed and Group company with a 7lb claimer on board to make his mark workable. Templegate's tips Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Times
Royal Ascot day 4 tips: Zarigana can land Coronation Stakes
French raiders have seemingly struggled to cope with the fast ground at Royal Ascot this week but underfoot conditions should hold no fears for Zarigana and she can land the Coronation Stakes (4.20) on Friday. A top-class juvenile last season, she suffered her only defeat when a nose second to stablemate Vertical Blue in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp, when she had her head up on the line and her conqueror's head was outstretched. Zarigana did well to collar the front-running Shes Perfect in a slowly-run race on her reappearance at Longchamp, and it was a similar story in the French 1,000 Guineas last time as she stayed on strongly to force a photo-finish with the same rival, having again been unsuited by the slow early tempo. She was awarded that classic in the stewards' room, having received a bump a furlong out and being beaten by a nose. Most French races are run at a slow early pace and that does not suit Zarigana, who is best when held up for a late run. This contest should be truly run, with the unbeaten Falakeyah needing a good test at this trip and likely to make the early pace, alongside Aidan O'Brien's second string Exactly. That could set the race up ideally for and she can prove a cut above this field. Oh Cecilia impressed with the way that she travelled through the race and quickened to win easily at Cork last time, beating the useful Rogue Legend in fine style. She is bred to be much more effective now that she steps up in trip and Oh Cecilia is fancied to break the hearts of fellow Irish raiders Signora and Green Sense. After just failing to see out the mile trip when a close third in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, Shadow Of Light looks the one to beat back sprinting here. A brilliant juvenile last year, landing group one wins in both the Middle Park and Dewhurst, he could be just too good for main rival Babouche. Of those at bigger prices, Sky Majesty makes some each-way appeal at 25-1. He needed the run when losing his unbeaten record at Chelmsford but he still has plenty of potential. French Duke goes well at this track and, having been gelded since last season, he can make light of a nine-month absence. He improved on his final two starts last term, winning at Goodwood and then finishing second in a valuable handicap here. Unexposed after six starts, he looks the type to improve again this year. Persuasive won this race in 2016 before going on to win at the highest level and her daughter, Cajole, can follow in her hoofprints. An easy winner at Newcastle, she looked set to follow up at Wolverhampton only to be collared late by the hugely exciting Nahraan. Cajole looks well treated on her handicap debut. The unbeaten Amiloc is favourite after winning impressively at Goodwood but he might lack the class of Nightwalker. The latter was unsuited by softer ground when below par in the Derby at Epsom but he had previously shaped really well when fifth in the Dante Stakes at York — and he can return to form under ideal conditions. Realign was beaten on both starts as a juvenile, bumping into the top-class Shadow Of Light on his debut at Newmarket and then failing to stay seven furlongs in a hot maiden at York. He could not have been more impressive when winning on his reappearance at Salisbury and could develop into a useful sprinter this season. Royal Ascot 2.30 Oh Cecilia3.05 Shadow Of Light3.40 French Duke4.20 Zarigana (nap)5.00 Cajole5.35 Nightwalker (nb)6.10 Realign • Rob Wright's Friday racing tips Market Rasen 2.05 Camino Rocio2.40 Larkfield Lusive3.13 Prospect House3.50 She's Got Bottle4.25 Whistleinthedark5.05 Matoury5.45 Shutfrontdoor Redcar 2.15 Front Gunner2.50 Bern Rossetti3.23 Marhaba Ghaiyyath4.00 Clermont Ferrand4.40 Paratrooper5.15 Big Apple Jack Goodwood 5.20 Blue Orbit5.52 New York Minute6.30 Morcar7.03 Way Of Stars7.38 Herculeus8.13 Getreadytorumble Newmarket 4.47 If I Could Dream5.25 Fitzmaurice5.57 King Casper6.37 I Am I Said7.15 Caffu Zafeen7.50 Soldiers Star8.25 Atlantic Sunset
Irish Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Royal Ascot: Trawlerman sets new course record with stunning Gold Cup success
In the absence of the retired Kyprios, his old rival Trawlerman stepped up to Gold Cup glory at Royal Ascot on Thursday. The John and Thady Gosden-trained gelding had the thankless task of chasing home Kyprios in last year's Gold Cup, getting within a length of Aidan O'Brien's now retired champion, who ranks as perhaps the best stayer of the last two decades. So, for once, the result of the stayers' championship felt apt as Trawlerman made all under William Buick to set a new track record in the historic old race. Tangling with Kyprios was an onerous job but in three clashes Trawlerman made a decent fist of it, even beating him once, around Ascot on Champions Day in 2023. READ MORE That was no bad boast, but the seven-year-old gelding hadn't won at Group One level before, a stat he put right in some style. The 85-40 favourite had seven lengths in hand of O'Brien's Illinois, who was the same distance ahead of Godolphin's outsider Dubai Future. It was a first Gold Cup for Buick, who also combined with Godolphin and the Gosdens to land Wednesday's Prince Of Wales's Stakes with Ombudsman. 'We tried it [same tactics] last year and we were only beaten by the great Kyprios. He's been such a good horse, he's so genuine,' Buick said. Trinity College ridden by Ryan Moore on their way to winning the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire 'It's an extreme distance, two and a half miles, so you need an extraordinary horse with an extraordinary set of skills. He's got that lung capacity and stamina. He got in a great rhythm – it's a tough thing to do, be in front for two and a half miles like that, but he's so genuine,' he added. It was a fifth Gold Cup for Gosden Snr, the 74-year-old stalwart of British racing who landed a hat-trick with Stradivarius and is emerging once more as the main threat to O'Brien's dominance this week. Field Of Gold's spectacular St James's Palace Stakes victory on day one was another instance of Gosden winning the daily Royal Ascot centrepiece. 'He ran Kyprios to a length last year and they were both all out. I think he deserved it, with Kyprios not here, to come back and show that he is a proper horse,' the trainer said. 'We like the cup races and those lovely staying horses. I remember the great horses – Lester Piggott rode Sagaro and he could turn the last six furlongs in one minute, 12 seconds flat. That is what I like, a horse than can go the distance and then go, and you can't catch them. That is style,' he added. Despite Gosden's hot streak this week, he still goes into the final two days level with O'Brien, who came up short in the Gold Cup but saddled a notable hat-trick in combination with Ryan Moore. The English jockey took his Royal Ascot tally to 90 when Trinity College completed the three-timer in the Hampton Court. It began with Charles Darwin's odds-on victory in the Norfolk Stakes and included Garden Of Eden in the Ribblesdale. Her victory took Moore into tenth place in the list of all-time jockeys in terms of winners ridden in Britain. Number 2,594 saw him pass out Edward Hide, but he has another 155 to get to past the legendary Fred Archer in ninth. Charles Darwin ridden by Ryan Moore (right) wins the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire O'Brien is now on 96 Royal Ascot victories and Thursday's hat-trick meant his remorseless route to a once scarcely imaginable 'century' of winners may come up quicker than anticipated. The Irishman needs three to beat his 2016 record of seven winners in a week that he shares with the late Henry Cecil. He has runners in eight races over the coming two days. O'Brien's speciality this week has been the two-year-old department. Gstaad (Coventry) and True Love (Queen Mary) had earlier advertised Charles Darwin's claims for Norfolk Stakes success and the odds-on favourite duly obliged. 'He is very fast – a big, powerful, strong horse. He has a very good mind as well, so he is very exciting. Ryan has always loved him, and everyone at home loves him. He looks like a four-year-old racing against two-year-olds,' O'Brien said. Some bookmakers made the youngster only 4-1 to take on his elders in August's Nunthorpe at York, where Charles Darwin would get a massive weight for age allowance. 'We were hoping that he would get a lead. He never sees the front at home in his work. He is always very happy to sit, but he is very strong and very quick. Ryan does his own thing always. The gates open and he decides. Ryan said he powered through the line,' O'Brien added. Garden Of Eden may skip next month's Irish Oaks in favour of a trip to the US in pursuit of a top-flight success, while Trinity College made light of a short gap since his French Derby fourth to make most in his Group Three. 'Ryan gave him a beautiful ride, had him in a lovely rhythm early and when he started getting him to move, he really moved, kept going to the line so you'd be very happy with him now,' O'Brien said. 'He would have a lot of options. He could be an American Derby horse.' Oisín Murphy reached 18 Royal Ascot winners with a handicap double. The Kerry jockey enjoyed an easy win in the finale on Never So Brave but was all out to land the Britannia on another Godolphin winner, Arabian Story.
Telegraph
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Royal Ascot Day 4 tips: ITV Racing selections
Day four of Royal Ascot 2025 features two Group 1 races for three-year-olds, the Commonwealth Cup for sprinters and the Coronation Stakes for fillies over a mile. Ron Wood has a selection and verdict for the feature, as well as tips and summaries for the other six races. It's all live on ITV1 (1.30-6pm) and ITV4 (5.50-6.30pm), as well as Sky Sports Racing. Also, check out these Lucky 15 and each-way suggestions for day four. If you already have a Paddy Power account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts Royal Ascot Day 4 tips – Ron Wood's selections NAP: Jonquil (3.05, Ascot) @ 6/1 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Next best: Zahrann (5.35, Ascot) @ 7/2 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Others: Signora (2.30, Ascot) @ 5/2 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐ Max Mayhem (3.40, Ascot) @ 50/1 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐ January (4.20, Ascot) @ 13/2 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐ Alfareqa (5.00, Ascot) @ 14/1 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐ Realign (6.10, Ascot) @ 100/30 with William Hill ⭐⭐⭐ Detain (5.35, Ascot) @ 7/2 with William Hill ⭐⭐ Odds provided by Paddy Power and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (maximum five). 2.30 Ascot – Albany Stakes (Group 3, 6f) Aidan O'Brien trained the winner of this race in 2022, the runner-up in 2023, plus the first and third last year. This time, O'Brien, who has already had three two-year-old winners at Ascot this week, relies solely on SIGNORA. She made her debut in a Group 3 at Naas last month, finishing third, and she can be expected to improve plenty. Green Sense was second at Naas that day and she also runs here, but Joseph O'Brien's filly had had the benefit of a run prior to the race in Ireland. Signora is by Frankel and a sister to Exactly, a Group 3 winner who goes in the Coronation Stakes on this card, and her dam Heartache won the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at this meeting in 2017. 3.05 Ascot – Commonwealth Cup (Group 1, 6f) JONQUIL (NAP) appeals greatly at the prices for this despite appearing to be the owner's second string on jockey bookings. This Andrew Balding-trained runner won the Group 3 Greenham Stakes over 7f at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance, despite being headstrong, and was then a close second in the French 2,000 Guineas over a mile at Longchamp. The winner of the latter race, Henri Matisse, was second in the St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot on Tuesday, while Camille Pissarro, third at Longchamp, has since won the French Derby. It's form that compares with the favourite, Shadow Of Light, who might not like the fast ground. Jonquil's strong-travelling style and pedigree – his dam did her winning over 6f – suggests this drop in trip will suit, and anyway it's a stiff test at the trip. As for the jockey bookings, Colin Keane was never going to get off the same owner's Babouche, given that he won a Group 1 prize on her last year and she's another headstrong type who takes a bit of knowing, plus she goes for the rider's former boss, Ger Lyons. But this only helps Jonquil's price and Christophe Soumillon isn't a bad substitute pilot. 3.40 Ascot – Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Class 2, 1m 4f) MAX MAYHEM needs to bounce back from a couple of below-par runs, but this set-up will suit him. He will be held up from a wide draw and getting plenty of cover in this big-field will help his strong-travelling style on a course that suits him. He rebounded from a poor performance to finish sixth at odds of 50/1 in this race a couple of years ago. The selection went up in the handicap for a clear win in Dubai in March. That day he won despite having a wide trip and he's still handily enough weighted on his best to think he can feature at a big price. 4.20 Ascot – Coronation Stakes (Group 1, 1m) JANUARY was only eighth in the Irish 1,000 Guineas when selected on these pages, but that was a bad tip as it turned out. She needed the run and was weak in the market. It wasn't a bad performance with an eye to the future, though, and she can be expected to improve plenty now. Ryan Moore, who shunned her at the Curragh, is back in the saddle now, preferring her to Exactly. The latter is held by Zarigana on the French 1,000 Guineas form, which doesn't look a race to buy into, whereas January still has potential. The selection had Group 1 form last year and, being a sizeable type, she should prove capable of advancing her level this season. 5.00 Ascot – Sandringham Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 1m) ALFAREQA is of interest on the form of her second last time out in a Leicester novice event. She was beaten three lengths but the winner is entered in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes and the third-placed filly, who was getting 6lb, has since won a maiden. Alfareqa cost 1,600,000gns as a yearling. She's by Frankel and is the first foal of Group 1 winner Millisle, and there's a fair chance she's better than an ordinary handicap mark of 84. 5.35 Ascot – King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2, 1m 4f) ZAHRANN (NB) passed all of his rivals, having looked to have a hopeless task when swinging widest on the turn in, to win a Listed race at Leopardstown over the same 1m 4f trip last time out. The change of pace he showed at Leopardstown was smart and his connections have chosen this race over the Irish Derby. He's the only one of the runners in this race who has been considered good enough – and fast enough – for an entry in the Irish Champion Stakes over 1m 2f, and yet he stays well. The selection shares the same sire as Wednesday's impressive Prince of Wales's Stakes winner Ombudsman, namely Night Of Thunder. 6.10 Ascot – Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes (Class 2 Handicap, 5f) REALIGN, a €550,000 purchase last year, finished second to leading Commonwealth Cup contender Shadow Of Light – who had a 7lb penalty but also the benefit of experience – in a 6f novice contest at Newmarket on his debut last year. He didn't stay 7f next time out and he won an egg-and-spoon race at Salisbury on his reappearance. Now dropping to 5f for the first time, he's completely unexposed and looks like proving ahead of his handicap mark. Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L (up to and including Tuesday June 17) Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Check out our list of the best casino bonuses in the UK
CNA
19 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
Horse racing-Favourite Trawlerman wins Gold Cup at Royal Ascot
ASCOT, England :Favourite Trawlerman, ridden by William Buick, led all the way to win Royal Ascot's headline Gold Cup and make up for missing out last year on a sizzling hot Ladies Day afternoon on Thursday. The seven-year-old 85-40 shot, runner-up last year and trained by John and Thady Gosden, comfortably beat Aidan O'Brien-trained Illinois (9-4) with Dubai Future (28-1) finishing third. The race attracted eight entries, with 2024 winner Kyprios absent after being retired in May due to injury. First run in 1807, the showpiece race of the week is a two-and-a-half-mile marathon that ranks as one of the greatest tests of stamina in flat racing and features the best staying horses in Europe. The Thursday of the five-day festival that starts on Tuesday is traditionally known as Ladies Day and stands out as an afternoon mixing fashion and sport on the nation's social calendar.
