Racelab’s Matt Collum has taken a forensic look at the Group races at Royal Ascot using their ratings system to assist working out who’s best credentialed to take out this year’s big races.
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In The Lab | Queen Anne Stakes | Group 1 WFA 1609m
Only moderate speed here with First Conquest and Opera Ballo leading the way. Notable Speech didn’t have the clearest of paths when winning the Lockinge Stakes but he ran through his gears late and put them to the sword. The long straight at Ascot will suit him well – I wouldn’t be surprised to see the price drift out a bit. Opera Ballo is coming off a good Group 2 win where he stacked them up and took off. Expecting the stable to apply similar tactics here and his record at the mile is outstanding.
Suggested Bet: Notable Speech
In The Lab | King Charles Stakes | Group 1 WFA 1005m
Capacity field of 26 runners in the King Charles Stakes. Overpass will ensure this race is run at a geniune tempo. Mission Central made it two wins on the bounce for O’brien and Moore when winning the Sole Power Sprint Stakes. I really like how progressive he is and being drawn out is going to suit. He’s worth a play at double figures. Overpass is the class runner and must be respected.
Suggested Bet: Mission Central
In The Lab | St James’s Palace Stakes | Group 1 3yo 1602m
Small field of six runners and pace is only moderate again with Power Blue taking up the running. Bow Echo is probably the best miler and deserves to be odds on. He beat Gstaad when winning the 2000 Guineas last start and looks set to keep his unbeaten record in tact. Gstaad proved the 2000 Guineas form at Newmarket was strong when winning the Irish 2000 Guineas at Curragh by 3L. He will need his best to topple Bow Echo here. Talk Of New York looms as a big threat coming off an impressive win in the Heron Stakes by 5 1/2L last start. This is a big jump up in grade however.
Suggested Bet: Bow Echo
