Former Talksport man Charlie McCann previews the runners and riders and posts his tips for day four of Royal Ascot. View Selections below
Friday’s Royal Ascot feature is the Gp 1 Coronation Stakes for 3-y-o fillies and it doesn’t look a vintage renewal despite the fact that the English and Irish 1000 Guineas winners are in the field.
Irish Guineas winner Samitar, trained by Mick Channon, wouldn’t want the ground to deteriorate too much despite her win on good to soft ground at the corresponding meeting last year in the Albany Stakes. Marginal preference is for her stablemate Laugh Out Loud (3.45) now ridden by Frankie Dettori with regular pilot William Buick claimed for Fallen For You who was disappointing at Kempton last month on her latest start.
In the absence of stablemate Imperial Monarch Derby third Astrology can confirm placings with Thought Worthy in the King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05; the selection won the Dee Stakes on soft ground at Chester on his reappearance and, whilst he is not in the same class as Derby winner Camelot, he looked to have stolen the Epsom Classic two furlongs out before being run down in the final quarter mile.
Newfangled is likely to be all the rage for the opening Albany Stakes (2.30) but she was most impressive on soft ground on debut and looks the one to beat; Agent Allison was subject to favourable reports before her Pontefract debut and she duly turned that modest race into a procession. This is a much tougher assignment but she looks sure to win more races if not quite up to this class.
Danadana was value for a bit more than his head verdict in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar last time and a 7lb rise in the weights may not be enough to prevent his hat-trick in the Wolferton Handicap (4.25) but my two against the field are Mijhaar back at 10 furlongs and well drawn and the selection Gatewood who looked a Group horse when meeting trouble in running before landing a gamble at Epsom. He must race from a 7lb higher mark and is not yet proven on soft ground but he is bred to appreciate cut if the rains arrive.
The Queen’s Vase (5.00) could turn into a real test of stamina and I wouldn’t be too concerned with official BHA figures; Athens is the highest rated horse but I would be keen to take him on and my two against the field are Spanish Wedding and the filly Estimate who runs in the colours of Her Majesty The Queen. The latter won a Salisbury maiden on only her second start and there is plenty of stamina in the pedigree. Her inexperience is a concern but it looks a wide open renewal and she can reward each way support.
Noble Citizen went into a couple of notebooks when runner up to Primaeval at Goodwood last time and he re-opposes the winner on 6lb better terms in the 7f Buckingham Palace Handicap (5.35) with William Buick taking over from an apprentice. These Ascot handicaps are ultra competitive but trainer David Simcock looks to have his 7-y-o charged for a big run at what is likely to be a big price in this 29-runner cavalry charge.
For all your racing odds this week at Royal Ascot check out BetVictor.com – new customers can claim £100 in free bets
Be lucky
Charlie
Compare all horse racing odds and keep up to date with our results service.
