Thursday 20th June 2019

The poor weather has put a real dampener on Royal Ascot so far. The racing has been very good but for the people in attendance, it’s looked hard work at times which is a real shame. Let’s hope the sun appears for the remaining days of the meeting.

Addeybb was a nice winner highlighted at 7-1 on Tuesday, it won’t be easy finding winners but I’ll give it a go.

I’ve backed Star Catcher EW priced at 7-1 in the Ribblesdale Stakes at 3:40.

John Gosden runs four horses in the race, I’m told Star Catcher is the most fancied and Frankie Dettori rides him. Frankie has ridden three of the four Gosden horses, it looks significant he’s chosen Star Catcher. Jockeys can and do get it wrong but a big effort is hoped for.

No real thoughts for the Gold Cup. Stradivarius would be winning if the ground was good but on today’s surface, I’m not taking the 5-4 in a bid to find out. Cross Counter & De Ex Bee should both run ok.

A lot of bookies are paying six places in the Britannia Stakes at 5:00. It’s a good job too as this race is a nightmare for punters. My pin has fallen on Aweedram EW priced at 14-1. Trained by Alan King, Aweedram might get outpaced at first but he stays strongly and handles soft ground. If Andrea Atzeni can keep him within touching distance, Aweedram will be coming home strong when others have done their running

Sinjaari is fancied to run well in the 5:35. Connections have been waiting to step the horse up in trip, a good run is hoped for.