Former Talksport man Charlie McCann previews the runners and riders and posts his tips for day two of Royal Ascot. View Selections below
The opening Jersey Stakes on Day 2 of Royal Ascot can go to Roger Varian’s Aljamaaheer who looked a decent prospect when winning at Newmarket on fast ground last month; the selection flopped on soft ground on his reappearance but he was much too free on that occasion and the ground is not a concern. The Newmarket trainer suggested at the start of the season he was one to follow in this company this season and he is taken to maintain his progression.
Ballydoyle’s Reply who finished third in the Irish Guineas sets the standard having finished third in the Gp 1 Middle Park Stakes as a juvenile but the main danger could easily be the filly Sentaril unbeaten in two modest races so far but sure to hold her own in better company.
Nahrain is a particular favourite of mine and I am loath to desert her in the Windsor Forest, but Emulous was very impressive in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown back in September and can defy her penalty for the great Dermot Weld. Chachamaidee flew on the Polytrack last time and receives 5lb from the other two principles but in a terrific renewal Emulous gets the nod.
So You Think is a warm order for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes the feature on Day 2 but I have always been a Carlton House fan and hope it will be Hats Off for a Royal winner; the selection easily landed the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown on his reappearance and 10f is his trip.
So You Think was just touched off by the ill-fated Rewilding in the corresponding race last year and is a worthy favourite having trounced an excellent yardstick in Famous Name last time. This is the acid test for the Royal runner but in Diamond Jubilee year what better than the Queen’s colours in the winning enclosure!
The Hunt Cup is the usual minefield but we at BetVictor are betting ¼ odds first 5 and I hope 4-y-old Captain Bertie can maintain his progression for Charlie Hills; he has been raised 8lbs for his Newbury win back in April but the form has been franked by the runner up; note 4-y-olds have won the last five renewals of the race and Dimension is a big danger in a cracking race.
The Queen Mary looks impossible but a token selection is Irish raider Mironica who created a favourable impression on debut at Naas; she is certainly bred to be a speedy juvenile and should run well although I would want to see the effect of the draw on Tuesday as the filly is drawn down the centre and there could be a bias to either side.
The Sandringham which closes Day 2 looks a very weak renewal but I am going to take a chance on Illaunglass on her seasonal reappearance for Jeremy Noseda; third to Samitar in the Albany at the corresponding meeting last year she has a 300 day absence to overcome but is bred to appreciate a mile and is likely to have been trained with this race in mind for some time. The booking of Ryan Moore can only be a positive.
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Be lucky
Charlie
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