WHAT a Royal Ascot 2019 it has been and what a finale we could have today. Let’s hope Charlie Appleby’s bold decision to run Blue Point in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes pays off, as Blue Point is one of my favourite horses in training and he simply looked immense in the paddock on Tuesday ahead of the King’s Stand Stakes.
The Wokingham is as competitive as ever and the Queen Alexandra Stakes over two miles five furlongs(having a small each way wager on Black Corton) will be a fitting way in which to conclude an amazing Royal Ascot.
2.30 – Chesham Stakes Listed 7f
Pinatubo has done nothing wrong in two starts and won at Epsom despite the track, not because of it. More con be expected and he looks a value alternative to the favourite Lope Y Fernandez, who was impressive on debut for O’Brien.
Unibet 7/2 win
3.05 – Jersey Stakes Group 3 7f
In much the same way, Space Blues won at Epsom despite not being fully at home on the track and his York win previously had marked him out as a Group horse. Big chance, with ground coming in his favour.
Unibet 11/4 win
3.40 – Hardwicke Stakes Group 2 1m 3f
Southern France looks more of a staying type than a 12f horse but with both Communique and Salouen in the field this looks sure to be run at a solid pace, and that might play into his hands. Worth chancing in an open looking contest.
Unibet 4/1 win
4.20 Diamond Jubilee Stakes Group 1 6f
Blue Point's (nap) physical presence and maturity was there for all to see in the parade ring ahead of his success in defeating his old rival Battaash in the King’s Stand Stakes on Tuesday. These two showed why they were at the head of the market and today Charlie Appleby’s bold step in bringing out Blue Point for the Diamond Jubilee will be rewarded as there isn’t a Battassh in the opposition here.
Unibet 13/8 win
5.00 – Wokingham Stakes Heritage Handicap 6f
i tipped up Bacchus at 33/1 on his seasonal reappearance for last year’s Wokingham and whilst he was clearly not up to Group 1 company thereafter he is only 3lb higher today in his bid for a repeat success.
Brian Meehan has taken the same approach in not giving him a prep race and with Bacchus drawn 21 he can still come down the middle.
Unibet each way 16/1
Hey Jonesy has a good draw in stall 18 and he has some very good group form on his CV, including a fifth in the 2018 Commonwealth Cup and a smart fifth on his last start in the Duke of York behind Invincible Army, who runs against Blue Point.
Unibet each way 11/1
