DAY 3 of Royal Ascot 2023 features the Gold Cup over two miles and four furlongs, which for many is the race of this five-day meeting. To think there were calls to reduce the distance some years ago because there was felt to be diminishing interest in the race and a lack of top-quality performers!

This is a fascinating renewal with little to split Coltrane and Elder Eldarov at the head of the market, whilst the 2021 winner Subjectivist would be an emotional winner after what was seen as a career threatening injury after winning at Ascot.

Enjoy whether at Royal Ascot or watching #athome on ITV Racing.

Cheers!

The Wine Tipster

2.30 Ascot – Norfolk Stakes Group 2 (5f)

Elite Status won the National Stakes at Sandown by five lengths with ears pricked and this powerful two-year-old looked something very special and the Norfolk always looked the likely target.

In fact, you had a pretty good idea beforehand, as Elite Status towered over his rivals in stature in the paddock and looked a class horse. It was good to see the form back up the visuals, then, and a good time figure only backs up the effort. Elite Status should prove too good for these and will get favourite backers off to a great start.

Unibet 13/8

Unibet are offering MONEY BACK AS CASH if 2nd or 3rd on this race (from 9:00am) and are paying an EXTRA PLACE too!

3.05 Ascot – King George V Stakes Heritage Handicap (1m 4f)

Land Legend really impressed when from coming from the back of the field at York on his last start to finish second to Chesspiece (finished a good third in the Queen’s Vase on Wednesday) when showing that he gets every yard of this distance on his first appearance over this trip.

He didn’t look short of speed when winning really easily at Newcastle the time before, in fact he travelled so well that he could be called the winner some way out, and the five and a half-length victory does not flatter him in any way. Hollie Doyle takes the ride and Land Legend is a genuine individual who looks the value call in an open race.

Unibet 16/1 each way

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

3.40 Ascot – Ribblesdale Stakes Group 2 (1m 4f)

Infinite Cosmos (nap) is one of my horses to follow this season and she won easily at Newmarket on seasonal debut ahead of finishing third to subsequent Oaks winner Soul Sister in the Musidora Stakes at York. This Sea The Stars filly will benefit from being stepped up in trip and has a strong chance here for the Sir Michael Stoute team.

Unibet 15/2 each way

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

4.20 Ascot – Gold Cup Group 1 (2m 4f)

Eldar Eldarov is selected to beat his main rival Coltrane, having won the Queen’s Vase and the St Leger last season beating Haskoy. On seasonal debut he was a strong finishing second to Giavellotto in the Yorkshire Cup and a trip too short for him and this step up to the Gold Cup distance will bring out the best in this top-class performer.

Unibet 7/2

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

5.00 Ascot – Britannia Stakes Heritage Handicap (1m)

Docklands won at Ascot last month on handicap debut by six and a half lengths when beating Prince Of Zenda after storming clear a furlong out. The handicapper raised him 14lbs for that success, yet he could be Group class with career form figures of 2-211. In Docklands favour too is the fact that Hayley Turner rides these big field handicaps so well at Ascot.

Unibet 9/1 each way

5.35 Ascot – Hampton Court Stakes Group 2 (1m 2f)

Oviedo looks overpriced as after winning easily on debut as a two-year-old, he was thought good enough to have a crack at Chaldean in the Acomb Stakes. He was far from disgraced in finishing third, when beaten just under four lengths in a race that couldn’t have worked out much better. He lost his way in soft/heavy ground after that but after a considerate reappearance, stepped up to win the Zealand Gold Cup at Redcar (first three-year-old to win in 27 years) with a bit in hand last time, merely nudged out to beat City Streak, who himself had won a quality Chester handicap the time before. Oviedo is a strong traveller with speed and a wide draw over this trip is a positive.

Unibet 33/1 each way

Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE in this race!

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