AS it’s Royal Ascot, there has to be a Crown.
French raider CROWN PRINCESSE (3.40) was a bit unfortunate not to land a Longchamp Group 1 last month and she looks over-priced in the Ribblesdale Stakes.
Fabrice Chappet’s filly had to weave her way through traffic before finishing third – beaten just three-quarters of a length – in the Prix Saint-Alary.
Conditions were pretty testing that day and, although her Saint-Cloud Group 3 victory came on soft ground, she is bred to like this quicker surface. She also gallops like she will appreciate the drying weather.
The step up to 1m4f will also help this talented filly. Have 1pt each-way at 28-1. Several bookies are paying five places.
RHOSCOLYN (6.10) was third in the Buckingham Palace Stakes last year and he’s back for another crack.
He’s a lot lower in the weights after finishing last season with a few below-par runs and that gives him the potential to be very well treated.
His form this season hasn’t exactly set the world on fire but he’s had excuses in each of his three runs.
There’s no better man than David O’Meara to get one ready for a big handicap and he’s drawn down the middle of the course near several possible frontrunners. Have 2pts each-way 20-1. Plenty of bookies are going six places.
FORT VEGA (5.00) has the right profile for the Britannia Handicap.
He moved like a classy horse when making a successful handicap debut at Naas last month having broken his duck in a 7f Gowran maiden on his previous start.
The form of his latest win has worked out nicely and there is sure to be more to come from Irish trainer Sheila Lavery’s runner.
This race is sure to be run at a decent pace and that will bring his stamina into place. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1.
EXOPLANET (5.35) was a bit unlucky to only finish a close third in the London Gold Cup.
He wasn’t best positioned in rear in the early stages but made smooth progress down the straight. His progress was hampered when he appeared to jump a crisp packet on the course and it took him a few strides to recover. That could’ve been the difference between victory and defeat.
The form of that Newbury race is strong and it is usually contested by future Group performers. Have 2pts to win at 8-1.
