Baaeed is the star attraction on a quite stunning opening day of action at Royal Ascot and punters are expecting the world's best racehorse to put on quite a show in the opening Queen Anne Stakes.
Baaeed looks set to go off the shortest-price Queen Anne favourite since Frankel went off 1-10 a decade ago. A 1/3 chance on Friday, William Haggas' stable star is now as short as 1-6 to see off six rivals in the curtain raiser and open the meeting with a bang.
It's been a busy morning for the traders, with several horses attracting support, the pick of which is probably Cleveland who looks set to go off a warm order in the concluding Copper Horse Stakes (6.10). The Chester Cup winner is now 15-8 having been as big as 3-1 at the 48 hour declaration stage.
Just over an hour earlier, Arcadian Sunrise is proving popular for Irish jumps trainer John Queally in the Ascot Stakes (5.00), a market that is dominated by yards better known for their jumping exploits. Arcadian Sunrise is partnered by exciting apprentice Harry Davies who is looking to ride his first Royal Ascot winner.
Today's seven-race Royal Ascot card begins at 2.30 and runs right through to the final contest at 6.10. ITV Racing will be showing EVERY race throughout the week - the first six will be on the main channel while the final will be shown on ITV4.
Fast ground and stunning weather look set to be the theme of the week up until Saturday when thunderstorms are forecast, and most importantly, Ascot is back to full capacity for the first time since the pandemic.
There is just one non runner so far and that is Benaud (No 7) in the 6.10 contest.
Full market movers round-up
- 3.40 Mooneista 12-1 from 16-1
- 3.40 Existent 25-1 from 66-1
- 5.00 Arcadian Sunrise 5-1 from 6-1
- 6.10 Cleveland 15-8 from 5-2
- 6.10 Juan De Montalban 11-2 from 10-1
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Ground and weather update
Official going : Good To Firm, Good in places (GoingStick: Straight Course 8.8, Round Course 7.4)
Weather : Warm, dry and sunny with a high of 23 degrees.
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