Paul Ferguson fancies 9/2 shot Mezmaar in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes in the 4.25 at Ascot. Compare odds
A fantastic start to day one at Royal Ascot with three Group 1’s to get things underway, though with the potential for easy ground, it may pay to tread carefully on the opening day.
Had the rain not arrived I’d have been with Canford Cliffs over Goldikova in the opening Queen Anne, but if the ground is on the slow side it could easily blunt his speed and the French mare may well be better suited by conditions.
Following his demolition job in the 2,000 Guineas, the mighty Frankel deserves to a really short price for the St James’s Palace Stakes and, if he runs anywhere near to his Newmarket form, he will win handsomely.
However, at 2/5 we can just sit back and enjoy Sir Henry Cecil’s Galileo colt make it seven from seven, unless you want to back the distance market in which Hills are offering 5/2 for 5 lengths or more.
Looking for an each-way alternative, it isn’t hard to see why both Excelebration and Dream Ahead have been backed, both having soft ground form in the book, but it’s hard to envisage either playing for more than a place.
After enjoying the trio of Group 1’s Mezmaar (4:25) is worth backing in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes for Barry Hills and his son Richard.
As ever, this looks a competitive renewal, but the Teofilo colt created a very good impression on his sole start to date in a 6f maiden at Haydock late last month.
Despite racing a little keen, he eased to the front and only had to be pushed out to win impressively, looking as though he had plenty up his sleeve.
Teofilo handled easy ground, so any further rain shouldn’t inconvenience him too much and his trainer has already compared him favourably with his 1995 winner Royal Applause.
Tuesday’s selection:
4:25 Royal Ascot: Mezmaar (9/2 Bet365, Paddy Power)
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