Royal Ascot Day 1

It’s the first day of Royal Ascot, 4 days of great racing that’s different to any other meeting. Only the British could hold such an event. If you’re going, have a lovely time and enjoy some fabulous racing.

A few of the favourites should be winning this afternoon but the odds are short. I’ll bid to find some bigger priced selections over the week. Ascot is not an easy meeting to find winners at but we’ll give it a go.

In the 5:00, the 2m3f Ascot stakes I’ve backed Oceane EW at 14-1. Plenty of bookies are paying 5 places so ensure you bet with one of those.

Trained by jumps trainer Alan King, Oceane was a solid 2^nd when last seen. Oceane carried a welter weight of 10-3, the trip was 2 miles. Oceane was hitting top gear towards the finish and staying on like a horse that would enjoy further. That run came at Ascot.

Today’s trip of 2m4f looks ideal, this is backed up by Oceane only other start over this distance, 3^rd of 20 at Glorious Goodwood in July 2016. The selection was very unlucky not to win as he encountered numerous traffic problems and didn’t get a clear run. With luck in running Oceane would have won that day.

Oceane four runs this year have all possibly been a stepping stone for this afternoon. He's a fresh horse and looks to have been primed for this race by connections. The good to firm ground is perfect.

Alan King also runs Who Dares Wins and he looks to have a good chance too but I’ll side with Oceane at the bigger odds. I've also had a small saver on old favourite Suegioo at 22-1 EW. He has the class to go well if on a going day.

My only other bet on day one of the Royal meeting is Marsha in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes at 3:40. The blistering fast pace will be ideal, I can see Luke Morris travelling sweetly behind the leader’s and delivering this speedy filly where it matters most.

The price of 100-30 is short enough in such a race but Marsha should go close with a clear run.