Royal Ascot – 5f Norfolk Stakes (Group 2)
There is a lot of talk about the favourite here in Elite Status for Karl Burke after his two wins this season and the talk is merited. But the form of HIS MAJESTY has been shown in good light this week already, and he is a massive price at 12/1.
Drops back down to 5f after he was run out of it behind Givemethebestboys (4th in the Coventry Stakes) is going to be exactly what he wants.
Won really well first time out over 5f (3rd won since) at the Curragh, and as said he was just run out of it when at one stage looking like he was going to swoop to the lead and win well.
All in all, at a massive price His Majesty could well upset the market leader, and at worst nick a place.
Royal Ascot – 2m4f Ascot Gold Cup (Group 1)
My favourite race of the week and one that I like getting stuck into, and this year is no exception.
Coltrane is installed as favourite on the back of his win in the Sagaro Stakes over this track, but I think this is one where Aiden O’Brien will be added to his good record in the Ascot Gold Cup.
He has two entered but his main chance lies with the quirky mare EMILY DICKINSON.
She was turned over at odds of 2/5 last time out in Leopardstown, but she is the type of mare where you weren’t shocked that it happened, but expect to see a different mare here. This is the kind of trip that I believe will bring out the best in this mare
Always looks like a mare that will appreciate a step up in trip, and that was shown when bolting up stepped up to 2m in the Loughbrown Stakes at the Curragh last season, and the extra 4f could be the making of this mare.
In a race where many will be faltering when they turn for home, I can see Emily Dickinson calling on her untapped stamina reserves and adding another Gold Cup to Aiden O’Briens CV at Royal Ascot.
