ROYAL ASCOT – THURSDAY

2:30 G2 Norfolk Stakes

Baheer (Pat Dobbs)

I must admit I can’t believe he got beaten on debut because some of the work he’d be doing beforehand was extraordinary so we were fairly confident going into Newbury, but these things happen and there’s nothing we can do about it. He used to be quite ‘excitable’ which is why we had him gelded, but he still has plenty of character, so could come out and do what he shows on the gallops or it could go the other way; I really don’t know. He will have learnt plenty from his first experience, though, and the drop down to five should help because he has lots of pace.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

3:40 G2 Ribblesdale Stakes

Maman Joon (Kevin Stott)

She ran a cracker in the Oaks to finish fourth on just her second start and is clearly a very smart filly who is extremely progressive. She’s come out of Epsom in great shape, and while this is obviously a very competitive race, she will like the track and deserves to take her chance. I’m not entirely sure she stays a mile and a half but this will tell us more and whatever happens we have an exciting filly going forward.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

5:00 Britannia Stakes

Starnberg (Alec Voikhansky)

He’s been absolutely clobbered by the Handicapper for winning at Nottingham last time and has gone up 20lbs in just two runs which seems extremely unfair. It’s almost like the handicapper is saying ‘you’ve had your fun for the season, now just go and watch everyone else have theirs.’

Maybe he’s right, he probably is, so he’s here to give it his best shot and let’s hope he can continue on the upgrade.

Dark Thirty (Sean Levey)

He is probably best at seven furlongs but is nevertheless very talented and it was great to see him go out and enjoy himself from the front when winning at York on his penultimate start. I was happy enough with him at Goodwood last time where he found the ground plenty quick enough, so any rain will be in his favour, and he’s not out of it by any means.

Forca Timao (Kevin Stott)

I think the drop back in trip could be the making of him because he hasn’t quite looked to stay a mile and a quarter so a stiff mile like this should be right up his street and they’re likely to go off at a decent gallop which will suit his running style. We’ve always thought he’s very capable and I’m still hopeful there’s a big race in him.

6:10 Buckingham Palace Stakes

Witch Hunter (Jamie Spencer)

He’s perhaps not the most consistent but has plenty of ability and I think a race of this nature will really suit because he can be put to sleep at the back of the pack and Jamie can gradually creep and creep into it and pick them off one by one. He has a decent each way squeak.

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

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