THE final day of the Royal Ascot meeting looks just as competitive as the previous four days and with the ground set to stay on the fast side I fancy that ST LAWRENCE can retain his Wokingham Handicap Stakes title off just a 3lbs higher mark at 5.05.
Trainer Archie Watson has been very cute with him running the six-year-old over seven furlongs twice, a trip he patently doesn’t stay, which has seen his mark fall 4lbs.
Provided he gets the run of the race from off the pace, I fancy he will confirm last year’s form with the sixth Orazio and the third home that day Juan Les Pins. The former would have a better chance should the track receive any rain beforehand as his trainer feels he could be up to landing a group event.
Of the big outsiders in this 28-runner field, I have the most respect for Mums Tipple who hasn’t really fired this season but is fairly handicapped on the balance of his best form and has a fair record at the Berkshire track.
Age of Gold looks sure to start as one of the favourites in the Chesham Stakes (2.30) but I would rather row in with PENTLE BAY at around the 10/1 marker. George Boughey’s charge overcame a modest start and trouble in running to land a Leicester maiden in style and he looks sure to relish the extra furlong on top of the ground here.
The feature Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (3.45) doesn’t look up to scratch and Duke of York winner Mill Stream just about heads the market place. At a truly massive price Jumby could outrun his figures with the blinkers on for the first time, but my first choice has to be last year’s Commonwealth Cup third SWINGALONG.
The son of Showcasing has five lengths to find on that York form with the market leader, but with that run under his belt and on a better surface I think he can reward each-way backers at around the 20/1 mark.
Richard Hannon has decided to drop Haatem to seven furlongs for the Jersey Stakes at 4.25. He may well be able to handle the drop in trip and has by far the best form coming into this race, but I would much rather have an each-way interest on NIGHT RAIDER.
Karl Burke’s charge ran way too free behind Haatem in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas, but he looks a perfect fit for this race if he manages to settle early doors and could be worth another chance here. Just ahead of the selection at headquarters, Task Force is another set to be suited by this shorter distance.
The finale, the Queen Alexandra Stakes (6.15) over the lung bursting trip of two-and-three-quarter miles should see a stout defence by Dawn Rising. However, I think that this year’s event looks a much better renewal. Trueshan would be interesting here if there is enough rain, but that is unlikely so the vote goes to TASHKHAN who has been crying out for a thorough test like this. The six-year-old bay gelding has a fair record when fresh and the drop of rain forecast will certainly help his cause with big outsider Ndaawi may be worth a saver at a massive price.
The Golden Gates Handicap (5.40) looks a wide open affair with several of these set to relish the step up to a mile-and-a-quarter for the first time in their careers. In contrast the filly Treasure is dropping back in trip and he disappointing run in the Betfred Oaks can be safely ignored as she ran way too freely in the opening exchanges. She should go well, but the nod goes to MILETUS another that would appreciate a few drops of rain.
However, I liked the way that he forged to victory at Windsor last month and as long as there is no sting in the ground I fancy that this son of Magna Grecia will have his say at the end of the 10 furlongs here.
Away from the final day of the Royal meeting there is some cracking racing up and down the country and TREFOR (4.00) could be the best bet on the Newmarket card this afternoon. He looked as though he was holding a bit back for himself at Windsor last time out and could be well weighted off a handicap mark of just 82 here.
The Redcar straight-mile qualifier (2.55) looks a really cracking affair and now he is back down to a mark of 60, END ZONE looks a major player here. I expect Jonny Peate will probably hold onto him for a wee bit longer this time after he did too much too soon at Ayr last time out.
Later on, GOOD EARTH (4.15) could outrun his price, while I also fancy a huge run from the progressive SAM SARPHATI in the mile-and-three-quarter handicap due off at 5.30.
Finally have a look at the evening card at Haydock Park where I fancy a couple to run seasonal bests. Back down to a mark of just 79, STRONG IMPACT looks a major player in the extended mile-and-a-quarter handicap at 7.45.
Earlier on, the fillies’ handicap looks up for grabs and top weight THE BIG BOARD looks a big player in her easiest task for some time for Richard Hannon. The daughter of Profitable drops back to five furlongs after running a bit too free over six last time out and a mark of 82 looks playable.
