BBC racing pundit and snooker legend John Parrott tipped Princess Highway 17/2 e/w and Fast or Free 6/1 on the Paddy Power blog yesterday. Let’s see if he can do the same on day four of Royal Ascot.
2.30 Albany Stakes
I can’t put anyone off John Gosden’s Newfangled in the opener. Very impressive, extremely athlethic, gets 6f and loves soft ground. The top one Agent Allison had all the clockwatchers drooling at Pontefract last time. Don’t know what she beat that day but it was an excellent time. The Gold Cheongsam could be the each-way value for Frankie Dettori.
3.05 King Edward Stakes
Astrology and Thought Worthy come here after finishing third and fourth in the Epsom Derby. Noble Mission is Frankel’s half-brother but will have to step up to score here. Tomas Chippendale has a lot to find on the book but is fancied to improve. I think Astrology is the one to beat providing that Derby run hasn’t left its mark.
3.45 Coronation Stakes
The ground should be soft enough for Homecoming Queen who won the 1,000 Guoineas at Newmarket before disappointing in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh.
Mick Channon’s Samitar won that day and I think she’ll win here again. She’s progressive and is just coming to herself this season and can improved again.
4.25 Wolferton Handicap
Gatewood has won his last two races and is very progressive. He got into an awful lot of trouble at Epsom the last day but still got out to win. When John Gosden has an improving handicapper you really have to take note. Mjhaar won’t mind the ground, Qaraaba and Danadana have chances but I think Gatewood will win.
5.00 Queen’s Vase
Estimate must have a chance for the Queen. Well backed this morning. Won a soft-ground race at Salisbury over 1m 4f but is bred to get a lot further. Brian Meehan’s Yazdi is the one I like and can step up here. I just fancy Yazdi to shade it from Estimate.
5.35 Buckingham Palace Stakes
If you’re in trouble by this one – you’re in real trouble because this is a minefield. Decent Fella goes very well fresh for Andrew Balding and Jimmy Fortune and finished fourth in this last year. He might have a squeak. Primaeval will be popular for Hayley Turner and James Fanshawe but the one I like is Global Village for Brian Ellison and Kieren Fallon. He runs under a 6lb penalty but that mightn’t be enough to stop him in this soft ground.
Double: Newfangled (2.30) and Astrology (3.05)
Best bet: Samitar (3.45)
my tips are 2:30 Amazonas 3:05 Thomas chippendale 3:45 Laugh out loud 4:25 Qaraaba 5:00 Athens 5:35 Tariq Too
And may the best scouser win red v bluenose bring it on
my double THOMAS CHIPPENDALE AND ATHENS
EACH WAY Tariq too
I’d already picked NEWFANGLED, GATEWOOD (and n.n.b. GLOBAL VILLAGE) !