Royal Ascot 2013: Top Tips
Friday, June 21st, 2013
With Day Three of the Royal Ascot behind us, some of the ladies are retreating with their bows and ruffles and hats, and picnic baskets of champagne and strawberries. And Britain’s favourite lady, the Queen, came first in the Gold Cup with her horse Estimate. This is the first time a reigning monarch has won in a main event since 1807, and the first royal win in the Gold Cup. For many, the highlight of the day was seeing Her Majesty beside herself with delight at her new win.
However, there’s still more excitement on the horizon, with Day Four peeping over the hills at us, and Day Five still to look forward to.
So, what tips does Panda Sweeps have to share with you? For tomorrow, there’s a few favourites to look out for!
Day Four
At the Albany stakes, our clear favourite is Richard Fahey’s 3 year old filly SANDIVA. Sandiva has excellent form and experience, and only last month wiped the floor with three previous winners in Ireland. However, at Albany, Lady Cecil’s Joyeuse is in the running as well, hoping to pay tribute to Henry Cecil.
Among the colts of the Edward VII stakes, BATTLE OF MARENGO is the most popular competitor. However there may be a (ahem) dark horse in the running found in MUTASHADED, a winner from last month at Sandown, and jockeyed by Dane O’Neil.
Next, we have a three-way filly battle in the Coronation Stakes. Favourites to win this year are Judge the Judge and Sky Lantern. At 1,000 Guineas in Newmarket, Sky Lantern snatched second place away from Judge the Judge, and now these two ladies are back here for a rematch. However, Big Break was a favourite at Ireland last year, and looks like another strong contender, perhaps snatching victory away from Judge the Judge and Sky Lantern.
At the 16 horse handicap race at the Wolferton Stakes, the clear favourite is Godolphin stable’s champion Albasharah. Albasharah is entering Wolferton still unbeaten, and Godolphin is undoubtedly counting on this strength continuing.
The Queen’s Vase is another race divided. This year, the Queen’s Vase is ran in memory of Sir Henry Cecil, who trained eight winners and passed on previously in the month. Unfortunately, none of Cecil’s horses are running for their master in this race. Instead, we have Leading Light, trained by previous Leading Trainer Aidan O’Brien taking favourite. Royal Skies is also a strong competitor, trained by 5-time Queen’s Vase winner Mark Johnson.
The last race of day four is the Buckingham Palace Stakes. Our current favourite is Richard Hannon’s Democretes, but another competitor to keep a close eye on is fan-favourite Emilio Largo.
Day Five
The big races of the Royal Ascot finale are the Diamond Jubilee stakes, and the Wokingham stakes. At time of writing, predictions for the final day are still distant and fuzzy, but there are still a few favourites and tips to be made.
In the Chesire Stakes, the horse-jockey pairing of Somewhat and Joe Fanning are currently looking to do well. For the Diamond Jubilee stakes, 2011 winner Society Rock is a powerful contender to watch for. But word from Down Under is that the Aussie horse Sea Siren is also a fast, tough creature on the racetrack.
At Wokingham, the stakes are looking good for Dinkum Diamond, with jockey Cathy Gannon. Among the older horses at the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, 4 year old Stencive, trained by William Haggas, is shaping up to do well.
So, horse-lovers and race-junkies alike, what are your favourites for the final two days of the Royal Ascot?
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