William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Day Two of Royal Ascot, giving his best bets for all seven Wednesday races.
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Royal Ascot, Wednesday
SOCIETY KISS can land the Wednesday opener at Royal Ascot, the Queen Mary Stakes (2.30). The daughter of smart Ascot 2yo A’Ali made a striking impression in a rapid time over this course and distance last month, and – while the form out of the race sends mixed signals – he beat at least a couple of above average juveniles without breaking sweat. His trainer is not noted for early season success in this sphere, and a good chunk of improvement can be expected.
ASMARANI can land a notable blow for France in the Queen’s Vase (3.05). He has progressed quickly into stakes calibre horse, and posted his best in a light career last time. That form looks all the better following the winner’s ready victory in a better race at the weekend (now bound for Grand Prix de Paris), and faster ground should hold no fears for the selection if pedigree is any guide. Stamina looks assured.
SOPRANO makes a bit of each-way appeal in the Duke of Cambridge (3.40), particularly if they all stand their ground. She has run her two best races at this meeting, goes well fresh, and loves a fast surface. More significantly, she really needs a lightning pace to run at over this trip, and she looks as though she’ll get it, courtesy of Running Lion and Fallen Angel.
SEE THE FIRE can justify the lofty supplementary for the Prince of Wales’s stakes (4.20). Her romp in the Middleton may have seemed freaky, but her record on good to firm bears the closest scrutiny, and she is highly progressive. But for interference, she’d even have finished pretty close to Anmaat in the Champion Stakes on an unsuitably soft surface. This looks the ideal distance now, and her rider is performing out of his skin.
GREEK ORDER looks very interesting in the Royal Hunt Cup (5.00). He was as unlucky a loser as you’d imagine off this mark in the Cambridgeshire a couple of years ago, before a rather indifferent spell in America. He’s back where he’s happiest however, on a straight track in a big field off a strong pace, and his new yard has taken no chances by booking Soumillon. In addition, he might just have the best of the draw. At a bigger price, I’ll be taking advantage of all available each way options with
EPICTETUS, who was a very good horse when he felt like it with the Gosdens, and whose new yard has a sure touch sweetening them up, particularly at this track.
AMBIENTE AMIGO is a slightly wild one in the Kensington Palace, but it’s a slightly wild race (5.35). For a filly with her pace, it’s been strange to see her campaigned over staying trips and hurdles, but it’s been much more like it at ten furlongs this season. She’s been outclassed the last twice, but isn’t actually too badly treated back in a handicap, particularly with a seven-pound apprentice booked. Expect to see her travel strongly towards the head of affairs.
TOUGH CRITIC can win the Windsor Castle for America (6.10). He’s certainly bred for the job: sire Caravaggio won the Coventry and the Commonwealth Cup, while his dam is a half-sister to Norfolk winner Radiohead. His trainer has already proven his worth in spades at this meeting, and this horse did exceptionally well to overcome trouble in running to win a loaded qualifier for this at Gulfstream.
