Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on day one of Royal Ascot; Beyond Conceit at 5:00 and Declarationofpeace at 5:35.
Royal Ascot gets underway this afternoon, where all eyes will be on Ribchester in the opening Queen Anne and Churchill in the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Both won at the meeting 12 months again and are sure to prove popular among multiple bets on day one, but I remain unconvinced by the former, personally – although it is difficult to find a horse to take him on with today – and the latter is tight enough to beat Barney Roy. I don’t think there will be much between them on this turning track and I’m happy to watch how the race unfolds, as it could be tactical.
From a betting perspective, I’m prepared to wait until the tail end of the card. National Hunt trainers and dual-purpose performers often dominate the penultimate Ascot Stakes and it looks like being the case once again, with the market headed by Thomas Hobson.
He represents Willie Mullins and Ryan Moore and has developed into a very smart handicap hurdler since last seen on the level. He looks sure to go well, but I would have a slight concern if the ground was riding any quicker than good.
Alan King’s Who Dares Wins stayed on well in the Chester Cup so ought to relish the step up in trip, but preference at the prices is for Nicky Henderson’s Beyond Conceit (5:00) who was last seen splitting The Worlds End and Debece in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.
His earlier novice hurdle form also reads well and the trip shouldn’t be an issue. His last run on the Flat came at Glorious Goodwood back in 2013 when finishing fourth in a similar event off the same mark. Henderson has his horses in fine form at present and a big run looks on the cards.
I had expected Declarationofpeace (5:35) to line up in the Coventry Stakes earlier in the afternoon, but Aidan O’Brien instead keeps him at 5f to contest the concluding Windsor Castle Stakes.
This Listed event probably won’t take as much winning as the more prestigious Group 2 and he looked a very exciting juvenile when winning over this trip at Dundalk last month. It is possible that he could be wrapping up what turns out to be a red-letter day for the aforementioned Ryan Moore, who of course takes the ride aboard Churchill, too.
Tuesday’s selections:
5:00 Royal Ascot: Beyond Conceit; 15/2 bet365
5:35 Royal Ascot: Declarationofpeace; 7/2 bet365
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