On the other hand, the world of horse racing will be watching Royal Ascot, and I certainly will be keeping an eye on the action throughout the week.
What A Rematch!
One of the horses I’m really looking forward to seeing at the Royal meeting is Notable Speech for Charlie Appleby. I was very impressed with him in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and he is still unbeaten after four starts. His match-up with Rosallion in the St. James’s Palace Stakes will definitely be one of the races of the week.
Conditions Right For Auguste Rodin
Elsewhere, Auguste Rodin, who runs in the Prince Of Wales is another one on my shortlist to watch. He was a very impressive winner of the Epsom Derby last year, and he then went to follow it on with wins in the Irish Champion Stakes and at the Breeders’ Cup. The key to him is fast ground, which it looks like he’ll get. I think he’ll have a great chance if the weather can stay dry.
Rain Please For Trueshan
Speaking of the weather, one of my favourite horses in training, Trueshan, would want it to rain. He’s been a great horse for Alan King over the years and would definitely deserve to win an Ascot Gold Cup. I’ll be crossing my fingers for him if he were to get his conditions.
My last horse that I’m looking forward to seeing at Royal Ascot is Wizard Of Eye. He’s made a great start to life with Charlie Fellowes after he won the Victoria Cup at Ascot last month. I’ve got a soft spot for him as he was trained by Stan Moore, whom I’ve ridden a lot for over the years. He’ll be running in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 6f on Saturday if he gets declared later this week, where he wouldn’t be without a chance.
My Potential Rides This Week
Tuesday
Brighton
7.00 – Miss Nifty (Stan Moore)
This filly will be making her racecourse debut for Stan Moore on Tuesday night. Stan’s two-year-old’s would normally be wiser for the experience, so hopefully she can have a nice introduction here.
Wednesday
Nottingham
7.20 – Lilistar (MIcky Hammond)
I don’t know too much about this filly. She showed some ability when she was trained by Roger and Harry Charlton, which included a fair second at Leicester on quick ground, but she has been a bit quiet for Micky in the last couple of months on the Flat and over hurdles. If the ground can dry out at Nottingham, maybe it will show her in a better light.
Thursday
Lingfield
7.00 – Worrals (Ralph Beckett)
I’ve ridden a few winners for Ralph Beckett, and it’s nice to get back aboard one of his horses. This filly has run well on her two starts this season, winning at Goodwood, and she then finished third at Nottingham last time out, where the winner went on to score again. She is coming back to the all-weather, but Ralph’s horses are in top form, and she looks to have a good chance.
7.30 – Badeco (Phil McEntee)
He would have learnt a lot from his debut run on the all-weather at Kempton last time out where he ran over 7f. We’re dropping back in distance to 6f here, and switching to the turf, so it would be good if he can show some improvement. He’ll probably come into his own once he steps into nurseries.
8.30 – Yantarni (Ian Williams)
He won comfortably over this course and distance the last time we saw him. This will be a harder test as he’s going up in grade and he’s off a 6lb higher mark. However, if he can replicate his recent run, then he should be in the mix.
Saturday
Haydock
6.05 – Across Earth (Marco Botti)
This son of Golden Horn did show some ability when he came second on the all-weather twice at Kempton and Southwell last winter, but his latest effort in April at Sandown was disappointing. He’s since had a little break and a gelding operation, which hopefully will make a difference to him. We’re also dropping back into maiden company, where I can see him being competitive on previous form.
I hope you all have a good week, and have fun watching the racing at Royal Ascot.