Day Two Preview

After nearly a clean sweep on Day 1 by Irish trainers and Irish connections, the British home team needs to start and make its mark – but it is going to be difficult.
Al Kazeem, the likely favourite for our feature race, the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (3.45) over 1m2f is, is a great chance for Beckhampton trainer Roger Charlton to get on the Group 1 winners’ board.

The son of Dubawi is a lightly raced sort and the improving five-year-old was a staying on last-time-out winner of his first Group 1 from Camelot in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
That represents top class form and there appears to be no reason for Camelot to turn the tables, however judging by yesterday’s results, the O’Brien team is in superb form and this stiff 1m2f trip might just suit the Irish raider.
Red Cadeaux is a hugely admirable horse, always gives of his best, and at the current prices (20s in places) represents good each-way value.

Gale can blow away rivals

The opening Group 3 7f Jersey Stakes (2.30) for three-year-olds should get the O’Brien team off to a winning start.

Gale Force Ten put in a great effort to just be denied by Magician in the Irish 2000 Guineas and although that winner did not frank the form yesterday, this son of Oasis Dream is a consistent sort who finished second in the Norfolk Stakes last year.
Well Acquainted, trained by Clive Cox, is one to consider at a price.

Take your pick of the fillies

Chigun was supplemented for the mile Duke Of Cambridgeshire Stakes (3.05) by Lady Cecil’s team and holds every chance; Duntle has done little wrong in her career to date and holds the strongest form claims, while Thistle Bird looks to be an improving sort now that she has learnt to relax more in her races.
Pop to the paddock and pick out the filly who appeals the most on looks and who seems to be taking the busy race day in her stride.

Dream of a Royal Hunt Cup winner

The huge 30-runner field always creates an amazing spectacle over the straight mile course and finding the winner is never an easy task.
The pace of the race appears to be amongst the high numbers so although Premio Loco looks ready to win, is down to his lowest BHA mark since 2009 and a previous course and distance winner, might be disadvantaged from stall 2.
Excellent Guest was indeed an excellent winner here last time for trainer George Margarson, who loves targeting this big Ascot mile handicaps and he finished second with this horse in this last year. Unfortunately, the handicapper has put the son of Exceed And Excel up to his highest mark yet and may just have weighted him out of it.
One who looks nicely handicapped for this is Jamie Osborne’s Field Of Dream, who is back to 98 and is just a pound higher than when fourth in this race last year. He blew his chance in the stalls then, but went onto win over 7f at Ascot’s July meeting off a mark of 99. He has had to ply his trade off marks of over 100 since, while he has not worn blinkers for his last two runs. They are back on today.

Rizeena: can she make all to win the Queen Mary?

The winning filly needs to have speed to burn in the 5f Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes (5.00) and one who is aptly named is Fast from the Richard Hannon team.
She won her maiden on her first start by 7l on soft ground at Chepstow, a win that immediately had connections considering this race, while Bedale Memory is already a Listed winner and was bought by Qatar Racing after her first start. Tsk note though, hoth fillies have shown their form on softer, early season ground.

Rizeena is well regarded by the Clive Brittain camp and she built on her victory here in May (good to firm ground then) with a Listed success in the National Stakes at Sandown. She has raced prominently in both her successes and got the trip well, so jockey James Doyle, who is riding for the first time, can be confident that he can ride her in a similar way and keep her out of trouble in this large field of juveniles.

Go with the form factor for the Sandringham Stakes

Another fillies’ race rounds today off with the Listed mile Sandringham Handicap (5.35). Woodland Aria gets into this on a handy weight and based on her form – two runs ago in the Group 2 Musidora Stakes she finished third to subsequent Oaks fifth Liber Nauticus – will be the likely favourite.
Mango Diva’s chance is also best judged on subsequent performances by previous opponents. She was second in May’s Heron Stakes behind Montiridge, a Group 2 runner-up last autumn to Trading Leather. That one was third in this spring’s Irish 2000 Guineas, was a Listed winner earlier this month and now has the Irish Derby on his agenda.

Day One Preview

Royal Ascot 2013 has arrived and with it a host of international challengers, a fantastic week’s racing and just maybe the hint of some sunshine.

We have a week’s sport ahead of that the late Sir Henry Cecil would have been proud to be a part of – indeed a number of runners with good chances are due to be fielded over the five days by Lady Cecil from Warren Place, including today’s fancied Tiger Cliff, who runs in the Ascot Stakes

Sir Henry loved Royal Ascot and in honour of his amazing record here we are holding a minute’s silence before racing today.

Will Kingdom rule?
And then we get straight into the top class action with the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (2.30) in which one of the most-talked about horses of the spring is due to take part – the US-trained Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom, who has been resident in Lambourn since travelling from the Emirates in April.

The Graham Motion team report that their fine-looking horse to be in great fettle, although are cautioning that, as he has never run over a straight mile on turf, maybe it is not the straight forward task that the price seem to suggest.

However, he has achieved far more on the form front than other runner in this race and he should make history today by becoming the first Kentucky Derby winner to achieve success at Royal Ascot.

The bet is for a place and although this is a first 2013 start for Elusive Kate, she is a talented genuine Group 1 filly who finished third to Excelebration over course and distance at the Champions’ meeting in October.  Don’t be put off by lack of action so far this year – in 2012 she finished second to Giofra in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes first time out.

A first winner for South Africa?
The 5f King’s Stand Stakes also sees an international challenge to the fore, this time from South Africa with Shea Shea a 2-1 chance and out to become the first-ever South African-trained winner at Royal Ascot.

Another here off the back of a last-time-out success in Dubai, the lightning fast Shea Shea broke his own the track record at Meydan in the Al Quoz Sprint beating the good yardstick Joy And Fun, with Sole Power back in fourth.

If Shea Shea has travelled over well, he should have too much raw speed for the Clive Cox-trained three-year-old Reckless Abandon, a good third in the Temple Stakes (G3) in May, and fellow traveller Shamexpress, who stepped up to Group 1-winning form last time at Flemington, Australia.

Again if looking for an each-way bet, it might be worth looking further down the list of fancied runners and with a dry day ahead of us, Sole Power, who was third in this last year on unsuitable soft ground, has to have a chance if he the race goes right for him (has to have cover until late), while Kingsgate Native looks to be right back to his best, though he has never threatened in this race previously.

A new Dawn?
The St James’s Palace Stakes (3.45) was a late decider for the 2000 Guineas winner Dawn Approach, who fluffed his lines so completely in the Derby. The colt must have come out of the Epsom Classic in good form for trainer Jim Bolger to be considering this as an option and, if he returns to his best, he will be difficult to beat.

It looks as though it will be a battle of the Guineas winners with Magician, successful in the Irish 2000, the current second favourite. He looks an improving three-year-old and this uphill course should suit him as he has already won over 1m2f.

Sir John to arise
Aidan O’Brien has three of the top four in the betting for the 6f Group 2 Coventry Stakes (3.45), headed by Stubbs and Sir John Hawkins, with Championship from the Richard Hannon team – a regular-winning trainer of this race – and Riverboat Springs from the Mick Channon yard splitting the Irish trio.

The unbeaten Thunder Strike, also from the Hannon team, showed plenty of speed to win the Listed Woodcote Stakes at Epsom (Riverboat Springs second), but the market and stable jockey prefers the Julie Woods-owned stablemate.

This race is often a pointer to the future 2000 Guineas winner  (it was won last year by Dawn Approach) and Sir John Hawkins, winner of his sole start so far, appeals as a horse with a future.

Cliff for Cecil?
We go from a sprint trip for juveniles to one of the longest races of the Royal Ascot week, the Ascot Stakes (5.00) over 2m4f, and run over the same course as Thursday’s Gold Cup.

Current favourite is Lady Cecil’s Tiger Cliff, a race earmarked for the son of Tiger Hill by the late great trainer who told owner Henry Ponsonby that he was sure the gelding would stay the trip. It would be fitting if Cecil’s predictions could come true.

Nearer the bottom of the handicap and running off 9st3lb, Homeric was a last time out Ascot winner over 2m, his first try over an extended trip.  He raced a little keen initially then, but should settle better now and has the added benefit of the services of Frankie Dettori.

Mysterious Man has not run over such a trip, but he is bred to appreciate it being out of a half-sister to former Ascot Gold Cup winner Enzeli.

It’s all down to Anticipation 
The Listed Windsor Castle Stakes for two-year-olds rounds the day off with the well-named Anticipated (by Whipper and out of Foreplay) current favourite having been unbeaten in two starts to date, including over course and distance in May.

He is another Hannon graduate so take note of his earlier juvenile runners in the Coventry.

Ogermeister is here from the US, representing the Wesley Ward team previously successful in this in 2009. He broke fast to win his first start in the US, and if he can do so again, yet without burning himself out, then he will have every chance.

Fountain Of Youth from the O’Brien yard is out of Attraction, a former Queen Mary winner, and won at Tipperary in a fast time, while the John Gosden-trained Ben Hall probably would prefer faster ground.

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ENGLAND WOMEN V JAPAN and ROYAL ASCOT PAVILION CLUB UPGRADE!

The England Senior Female Football Team are looking forward to a well-deserved day out at Royal Ascot on Saturday 22nd June.  The comfortable surrounds of the new Pavilion Club will be their base for the day and the players will be making the most of some time off from training, ahead of their next match against Japan, the current World Cup holders, at the Pirelli Burton Stadium on Wednesday 26th June. It’s a friendly international match and the second of two testing home internationals as Hope Powell prepares her side for Euro 2013. 

Be in with a chance of winning two tickets to see the ladies play in this international friendly by booking your Grandstand Admission Ticket for Royal Ascot between Monday 10th and Friday 14th June.  What’s more, the lucky winner and their guest, will receive an upgrade to the new and exclusive Pavilion Club when they attend Royal Ascot!  Just a short walk from the track and Parade Ring, it’s the perfect base for the day, with complimentary Afternoon Tea included with your badge.

The winner will be selected at random and announced on Monday 17th June.

#AscotAsks Sasha Wilkins, Fashion Tips And Trends For #RoyalAscot

Sasha Wilkins in New York by Jackie Dixon

1. What fashion advice would you give to men going to Royal Ascot?
I’ve never met any man who doesn’t look extremely good in a well cut suit. Although the Silver Ring doesn’t have a precise dress code, those who look best are always those who make an effort. For those in the Royal Enclosure who are hiring a morning suit, do make sure you try it on beforehand: badly fitting coats ruin the look!

2. How did you get into fashion and blogging?
I started out at British Conde Nast, the home of Vogue, as second assistant to the editorial director (I make a very good cup of tea). When I moved to Manhattan in 2007 I started a daily online diary, which evolved into my now full time job of running LibertyLondonGirl

3. How do I make my outfit stand out from the crowd this year?
Colour! Black is definitely to be avoided. I covered Ascot fashion for the BBC for four years and the people who always looked and photographed best wore colours like bright pink, yellow and orange. If you don’t like brights on your body, go for neon coloured shoes or bags. And, of course, a great hat!

4. Which style of hat do you prefer?
I’ll be lucky enough to be in the Royal Enclosure this year, which means my hat base has to be bigger than 6cm, so I've ordered a quite a large navy blue circle with flowers underneath, that perches on the front of my head, from milliner Edwina Ibbotson. Think satellite dish!

I do like a spotted net veil too, given half a chance. New online hat rental service The Hat Club has some really good Ascot options this year.

5. What should I take as outerwear if the weather is unpredictable?
A brolly is your best bet. It’s rarely that cold at Ascot even if it is pelting down. I take a fine cashmere shawl that can fold up into nothing, and a stylish cream pagoda umbrella. Why ruin your look with a folding black umbrella!

6. What are the key colours for this season?
I always say choose what suits you: yellow is key this season, but it’s a tricky colour if you are milk bottle pale like me. Better to be stylish than fashionable.

7. Are flats or heels best for a day at the races?
I’m a fashion editor: I’m always going to say heels! But, please, NEVER platform stripper heels. Nothing looks worse than girls who can’t walk in their shoes. If you can’t face a 4” stiletto like me, then there are lots of mid height heels around this season, and I've been known to take a pair of those clever tiny folding ballet flats in my bag for the walk to and from the station – which is a good ten minutes, and impossible in anything higher than 3”.

8. If you’re on a tight budget, how do you ensure you still look great?
Immaculate grooming: lovely clean shiny hair, painted nails and toes, and a bright lipstick – red for brunettes, orange for blondes, either if you have darker skin. And do wear a hat: they aren't all expensive, try renting or check out Stephen Jones’ wonderful new collection of hats for Designers at  Debenhams

9. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2013?
The designer Suzannah has made me the most beautiful navy silk prom dress to wear on Ladies Day, and I cannot wait to wear it. I would also like to not lose any money with the bookies!

To find out more about Sasha Wilkins, visit her interesting blog LibertyLondonGirl.

#AscotAsks Martha Ward, Key Fashions And Trends For #RoyalAscot

1. Have you got any advice for what colours and patterns are in season this year?
We go through multiple shades each season, but right now it’s all about pinks & reds. And there’s always a place for neutral shades. Print wise - florals of all varieties are big this season, as is snake print.

2. What do you advise this year, flats or heels? And if you can’t wear one of these?
Rather brilliantly it’s all about the flat this season. And kitten heels are all the rage too. Hooray for the ladies!

3. If you’re on a tight budget, can you suggest how to look fabulous?
The high street in the UK is so completely brilliant that dressing on a budget is really no difficulty. Some of my favourite dresses are from H&M and Zara and people still exclaim surprise. My advice is to steer clear of fabrics that look synthetic (i.e. shiny), and too tight or too short never helps, so try and go more classic in style; and to accessorize well - necklaces etc - as that often makes something appear more high end.

4. What size of bag do you suggest for a day at the races?
Although a clutch might be the natural suggestion, the reality is that you need your hands for drinks, bets, and cheering at the finishing line, so I always encourage a ‘hands free’ bag -  i.e. one that has a long-ish strap so that it can sit on your shoulder, or across your body. And not too large or it overtakes the outfit.

5. Is it better to stick with seasonal trends or stand out from the crowd?
Sometimes seasonal trends will MAKE you stand out from the crowd! So don’t be too steered by what’s hot and what’s not. Be comfortable, and if it happens that you are partial to a floral or to red, and that’s the hottest thing right now, then so be it.

6. Can you suggest what to wear to look sophisticated when you are expecting?  
I think empire cut for a bump is a very elegant look. And if it’s a normal dress then you can create the empire line effect by belting loosely just above the bump.


7. How did you get into the Fashion world?

Kind of accidentally actually. I was working at Conde Nast, as magazines was always where my interest lay, and a job came up at Tatler, so I applied for it (with the lovely Natalie Massanet and Kate Reardon) and was offered it, and it was like a duck to water!

8. We all know what the British summer is like, what’s the best way to cover up from the elements in style?
I love a longer sleeve on a dress, so I’d go for that option as there are never any guarantees on weather.  Then you don’t have to worry about outerwear. Or a long line coat over a dress is a very elegant look.  I personally prefer that to a short jacket.  Unless it’s a skirt and top, then a jacket is preferable. Rules rules! Actually, there are no real rules in my book.

9. What are your thoughts on his and hers matching outfits? 
It reminds me of Posh&Becks circa 2000, so I’m veto-ing that look I’m afraid.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2013?
Seeing the lovely Royal Ascot team first & foremost! And pulling out my prettiest outfits to wear, as it’s one of the few occasions when you actually can (and must) do so. I love being a Lady on Ladies Day! Make the most of the dress code I say.

To find out more about Vogue TV's Martha Ward visit her website or to book Royal Ascot tickets visit ascot.co.uk.

Some Fast Young Ladies Kick Today’s Action Off | Friday 10th May 2013

Some fast young ladies kick today’s action off at a pace with two-year-old fillies battling it over 5f in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Fillies´ Stakes at 5.30pm.

There are a number having their racecourse debuts and the market is going with Oriel from the Richard Hannon yard, which provides an amazing four runners in the field.

Likely to be sent off race favourite, the press vibes ahead of today have been strong for the Highclere Thoroughbred-owned filly, who also holds plenty of big race entries this summer, and is the selection of the stable jockey Richard Hughes.

Hannon’s record with his two-year-olds at Ascot is second to none so don’t put it past the yard to collect the first three places.

Another Winner For The Queen?

We go from one extreme to another in the second with older horses slugging it out over 2m in the Two Circles Handicap (6.00).

The Queen’s staying filly Estimate won at our first Flat meeting of the season and Sign Manual has every chance of giving the monarch a second winner at Ascot this season.  The four-year-old by Motivator won at Newbury last time out, just getting up in the final yards to beat the good yardstick Lieutenant Miller, with Tappanappa in third, Cotton King in fourth and Gabrial’s Star in fifth.  There seems to be no reason why any of these beaten horses would reverse places today.

Sign Manual has gone up 8lb in the handicap for that effort, but looks an improving type now he is running over this longer trip. Homeric will be looking to give Highclere Thoroughbreds a quick double, and is trying this sort of trip for the first time though he is not bred to be suited by it.

Right at the bottom of the handicap, Andrew Balding looks to have found a good opportunity for Silver Samba. The filly by Dalakhani has not won since August last year, but that was the last time she ran over 2m and she is only 4lb above her winning mark then.

Drink a Toast To The Town

Some well-bred three-year-old fillies from some big-name owners contest the Federation Of Bloodstock Agents Maiden Fillies´ Stakes over 1m2f (6.30) and it looks wide open on paper.

A peak at the fillies in the paddock will give some indication as to the most forward, but of those who have run Sharqawiyah finished third last time out, while, in April, Toast of The Town finished seventh and Bohemain Dance eighth behind Banoffee, who won the Listed Chester Oaks and is being supplemented for the Epsom Oaks.

A Democratic Choice

Race fitness could be key to the 6f Royal Ascot Racing Club 15th Birthday Celebration Handicap (7.00) and last season’s progressive handicapper Nassau Storm might just be in need of a sharpener over this spring trip on his first start of the season.

Yeeoow was just touched off for fourth over this trip at Doncaster in April, but Democretes is the choice. He was slightly hampered in running at when second at Goodwood last time over 7f and this stiff 6f should really suit. Crew Cut wears blinkers for the first time and has attracted the services of top jock Jamie Spencer.

Regal Dan Looks Well in at the Weights

Just a head divided Professor and Pay Freeze in a nursery at Newbury last September off level weights before Regal Dan finished a length and a quarter ahead of Professor in April at Newbury when receiving 13lb from the Hannon horse. Regal Dan still has a 7lb sway at the weights and is selected to take advantage in the 7f Ascot Racecourse Handicap (7.40).

Hughie Morrison has a high opinion of Secret Talent and with his team in good form it will pay to take notice of the prices at the bookmakers.

Early Money for Aljmany

Although there are nine meetings in Britian and Ireland today, the springer in the early morning markets was the Luca Cumani-trained Ajmany in our last, the Race, Rattle ´N´ Roll Handicap (8.15).

The son of Kheleyf carries top weight, but sports first-time blinkers and was backed into 3-1, having been put in at 10-1 early doors. Keep an eye on the price and if the money keeps on coming, it’s probably wise not to buck the trend.

#AscotAsks Marco Botti, Key Runners and Riders for #RoyalAscot

1. How do you spot a good horse from when it is very young and what would you advise to watch in a horse maturing through its racing career?
I tend to look at confirmation of the horse, looking at the horse as a whole picture also helps. Good pedigree, good confirmation and good attitude all help. Having an excellent attitude becomes more important later in the career, as they need to keep the love of racing.

2. Do you have a favourite distance that you most like to train your horses for and why?
No, a winner at any distance is great!

3. Is Frankel the greatest horse you've seen and do you ever think we will see one like him again?
There is no doubt he has been the greatest racehorse that I have seen in my lifetime, as to if there will be another Frankel – we can only hope, and I would hope even more that he or she would come out of my yard.

4. If you had a choice would you rather a place in all the classics or a win in just one in the season?
Just one classic would be FANTASTIC!

5. What is your best prospect for a Group 1 victory this year?
For a group one victory this year, I would have to say on Saturday’s performance, Dandino. We have some lovely “potentials” in the yard.


6. Is Planteur the best horse you have trained, or has there been one that’s better?
Excelebration, Planteur and Gitano Hernando would all be in the same “superstar” league.

7. What or who inspires you?
Henry Cecil, he is an amazing trainer who has a great eye for talent. Espressos also help me find inspiration – we drink copious amounts in the office!

8. What horse/s are you most excited about watching this season?
Dawn Approach - He was real class and looked fantastic at Newmarket, when winning so impressively in this years Guineas.

9. How did you get into a career as a racehorse trainer?
I have been around racing and racehorses all my life, my father, Alduino Botti is champion trainer in my native Italy. I worked for my father and was also Champion Amateur Jockey in Italy before moving to Britain, where I had spells with Luca Cumani, Ed Dunlop and Godolphin.

10. Finally, what are you most looking forward to at Royal Ascot 2013?
We will hopefully have a good few runners at Royal Ascot this year; I would like to think that this year we will have our strongest team for Royal Ascot. If we had a winner, that would be the real icing on the cake. There is a great buzz around Prestige Place Stables in the run up to Royal Ascot week and it is great to be represented at the Royal Meeting.