The following horses look to have outstanding chances at Royal Ascot, but which are the real bankers and which are the ones likely to blow your bank out?
Henrythenavigator (St James’s Palace)
Conqueror of Derby winner New Approach in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas, and bypassed the Derby to run here. Aidan O’Brien’s colt was particularly impressive at the Curragh when, under hands and heels, he quickened brilliantly. The only doubt against him would be if the ground came up soft, but that looks unlikely.
Verdict: Banker (Back 8/13 Blue Square)
Duke Of Marmalade (Prince Of Wales’s Stakes)
Repeatedly played the supporting role in top races last term but has raised his game this season with back-to-back Group 1 wins. However, it can be argued that he benefited from a couple of weakish contests, with his latest win achieved at the expense of the non-staying Finsceal Beo. Also, for my money, it may turn out that he is better suited to further than this 1m2f trip.
Verdict: Blowout (Lay 2.92 Betfair)
Yeats (Gold Cup)
Winner of the race in 2006 and again last year, Yeats, who won the Vintage Crop Stakes on his reappearance in April, will be attempting to emulate Sagaro, who won run three consecutive Gold Cups between 1975 and 1977. He’s a worthy favourite, but this looks his toughest test to date, with the unbeaten Coastal Path and classy stablemate Septimus in opposition.
Verdict: Blowout (Lay 2.86 Betfair)
Bankable (Royal Hunt Cup)
Will race off a mark of 99 under his penalty and, given he’s bolted up in a Listed contest at Goodwood (with 100+ rated rivals toiling behind) since the publication of the weights, that means he’ll be at least 10lb well in here. He is also a dual course and distance winner and, although his last three wins have come on ground with cut in it, he did win on good to firm at Newcastle last September.
Verdict: Banker (Back 7/4 bet365)
Fleeting Spirit (King’s Stand)
Produced a breathtaking turn of foot to beat her elders in the Group 2 Temple Stakes on her appearance in course record time. That impressive success took Jeremy Noseda’s filly’s career figures to: 1121211, with the latest defeat by a neck to subsequent 1000 guineas winner Natagora. Best on a fast surface and should get her ideal conditions as Ascot drains like a sieve.
Verdict: Banker (Back 5/2 Ladbrokes)
