Royal Ascot intrigue: Plans solidify for international contingent
Published:
Royal Ascot is a fraction over a week away and many of the imponderables exercising the punting imagination in the build-up are starting to crystallise.
Read on for a precis of the latest developments, which include a wealth of information for those interested in backing the meeting’s ever-swelling international contingent.
Diamond Jubilee the first choice for Brazen Beau
The dual Australian Group 1-winner will be aimed at the 6f sprint rather than the King’s Stand, providing the weather does not take a turn for the worse.
Chris Waller’s colt is now 3/1 favourite for the first-named burn up, although he remains one of three installed at 4/1 in the shorter contest, along with Sole Power and Muthmir.
Shamal Wind teams up with Ryan Moore in the King’s Stand
Ryan Moore’s stock is as high in Australia as any outpost of the sport of kings after he landed a Cox Plate/Melbourne Cup double last term and he has been engaged to partner 8/1 chance Shamal Wind, a Caulfield Group 1 handicap winner.
Unproven Cyclogenesis’ connections to roll the dice in Commonwealth Cup
Despite having just three career races to his name and none of Group stature, George Weaver’s colt will test himself at the highest level at the Royal Meeting.
Installed as a 12/1 bet, it’s clear there is respect for the three-year-old, whose trainer is no stranger to international success having won the Dubai Golden Shaheen with Saratoga County in 2005.
William Buick will ride California Chrome in the Prince of Wales Stakes
First choice Frankie Dettori has been claimed to ride Western Hymn for John Gosden in the same race, so connections of last year’s Kentucky Derby winner have turned instead to the man that defied their steed in the Dubai World Cup aboard Prince Bishop.
Buick and the American adventurer are 10/1 fifth favourites for the 1m2f Group 1, which looks sure to be a highlight of the week.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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