Royal Ascot Day 4

Big Orange won the Ascot Gold Cup in determined fashion for trainer Michael Bell. James Doyle gave the horse a cracking ride from the front and kept things simple. The hot favourite Order Of St George was 2^nd, beaten no distance at all and maybe should have won. He was asked to make up a lot of ground but you can’t fault the attitude of the winner.

The draw bias seemed to flip flop yesterday, I can only presume more water was put on the far side in a bid to even things up. How can one side of the racecourse be 5 lengths quicker then 24 hours later, the role is reversed. It must be down to watering?

Where you need to be drawn today is anybody’s guess, this make things almost impossible from a punting point of view.

Anyhow, I’ve backed Madeline in the Albany Stakes at 2:30.

The form of her Goodwood win couldn’t have worked out much better and reports suggest Madeline has improved again. The selection is drawn in stall 21 of 21. That could be brilliant or it could be the worst draw in the race and we’ve lost before we’ve started. I’ve risked a few pounds EW at 22-1 with 4 places being paid by most bookies. Fairyland could be anything and might be worth a saver.

Crystal Ocean is a worthy favourite in the King Edward at 3:05, his price of 11-4 is fair.

I’m really looking forward to the Commonwealth Cup at 3:40.

Caravaggio looks top class, Aidan O’Brien has gone on record saying it’s the quickest horse he’s trained.

Harry Angel trained by Clive Cox smashed the track record at Haydock last time and was very impressive. Mr Cox holds his horse in the highest regard. Throw in Blue Point and the Wesley Ward horse Bound For Nowhere, this could be the race of the meeting.

I think it’s between Harry Angel & Caravaggio and can’t split them. At the prices, I suppose Harry Angel is the value at 3-1 but when Aidan goes on record and says Caravaggio his is the fastest horse he’s trained, you should take note. Reverse Forecast?

Winter should take all the beating in the 4:20 and is difficult to oppose.

In the final race at 5:35 the lucky pen has come out. Wadigor 7-1 & Mainstream 5-1 would be my two EW picks.

Our horse Sioux Chieftain ran his race at Ffos Lass last night finishing 6^th. He held every chance two out but could only stay on at the same pace in a competitive race. The handicapper has him spot on at this moment in time.