Cheltenham’s version may seem on another level of popularity but few Flat races get the general public as excited as Royal Ascot’s Gold Cup (4.20) on day three – with Oisin Murphy taken to enjoy an emotional victory.
The three-time champion jockey only had his first ride since November 2021 in February, having been suspended for breaking Covid rules and failing two breathalysers, but he has lost none of his ability and, in Coltrane, he has the ideal type for this afternoon’s demand of class and stamina.
The son of Mastercraftsman took the Ascot Stakes over the course and distance 12 months ago, got the better of Trueshan subsequently and looked better than ever when bolting up at Ascot on his return last month.
Could Trueshan bounce back to form after a wind operation? At around 20-1, many will happily take a chance. Aidan O’Brien has an incredible record in this and, having been in such winning form on day one, his Emily Dickinson has to be feared under the red-hot Ryan Moore.
The opening Norfolk (2.30) sees the bet of the day in Devious at around 14-1. Donnacha O’Brien can win his first Royal race as a trainer with the son of Starspangledbanner, who looked a potential star in winning on debut at Naas. That said, Elite Status deserves to be favourite for Karl Burke and has the best form.
Perhaps Ballydoyle can strike in the King George V Stakes (3.05) with the strapping Bertinelli, who ought to improve with age. He scrambled home in the London Gold Cup and, while he needs to do more, the extra month and two furlongs ought to help.
It just gets better and better at this meet, such that Al Asifah, despite running in the Group 2 Ribblesdale (3.40), could be the highlight of the day. Frankel’s prowess as the superstar sire of the next decade was evident on Tuesday and this filly looked absolutely sensational at Goodwood.
The Britannia (5.00) could go to the Hayley Turner-ridden Docklands. He was whacked with a stone for his bloodless course-and-distance win in May but, intriguingly, Harry Eustace had previously entered him in the Irish 2,000 Guineas – so connections obviously knew he was good.
Drumroll appeals as a progressive son of Deep Impact in the Hampton Court Stakes (5.35) and he can be played each-way. The nightcap, the Buckingham Palace Stakes (6.10), is next to impossible but last year’s favourite Montassib looks just about the safest bet, some layers offering seven each-way places.
