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Royal Ascot - Saturday 22nd June 2013

Three selections today...

15.05pm Hardwick Stakes 1m 4f (Class 1)

Starting with the more established horses today and my selection goes to MOUNT ATHOS. This Montjeu bay gelding is in excellent form and has always be highly thought of by his trainer Luca Cumani. This globetrotting stayer seems to keep improving and on form he is the one to beat. He ran a fantastic fifth in the Melbourne Cup, staying on all the way to the line and in doing so illustrated his ability to perform in one of the most prestigous races in the world over the 2 mile trip. MOUNT ATHOS will enjoy the quick ground underfoot, will want a strong gallop which I'm certain he'll get as we have a couple of front runners in the form of Universal and Ektihaam. This looks like it's his for the taking, form in the book, a jockey on board who knows him well and who rode a winner at the meeting yesterday. A clear chance and a big run is in store, he'll be hard to beat.

15.45pm Diamond Jubilee Stakes 6f  (Class 1)

We always here of a draw bias or where is the pace? I think for most of the week it's been the latter question that has made the difference and with that first variable in mind I'm looking at GORDON LORD BYRON who if is in the correct pack will take all the beating. Unfortunately, for him his trip to Dubai in March  wasn't the greatest experience for him as he failed to land a blow of any kind. In his previous start I'm certain he was drawn on the wrong side which didn't help his chances and he was laden with plenty of weight. This time I'm certain he will give a better account of himself, particularly as he has an excellent strike rate when it comes to winning and being placed. Today, I think ground will suit as it is going to be a little slower with the rain overnight and the fact it's raining now. GORDON LORD BYRON may well be overlooked by many here and a return to form is undoubtedly on the cards after a promising run last time.

16.25pm Wokingham Stakes 6f (Class 2)

A minefield, but it's certainly always fun to have a look and a play particularly when you find a horse that has been given a lenient enough mark, who ran a very credible race last time out and with the potential for a female jockey to get a winner on the board for the first time this week. My selection is ridden by the powerhouse female Cathy Gannon and my each way pick goes to DINKUM DIAMOND. The trainer Henry Candy has run Music Master and Cape Peron this week who both ran credibly both finishing 5th Cape Peron particularly looked good with a furlong to go but just ran out of puff. My selection here is rated 100 which is certainly a winnable mark and indeed has been dropped 3lbs by the handicapper today. His previous winning marks of 103 and 106 were back in 2011 and 2012 so not that long ago and this puts him in with a great chance. He has a good enough draw in 15 and seems to be back to form after a very solid staying performance with a furlong to go, finishing 3rd behind Duke of Firenze in the Dash at Epsom and a repeat of that run undoubtedly puts him in with a chance.



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