For Royal Ascot, there will be a Lucky 15 bet for each day.
Depending on the price of the horses, this can either be an each-way bet or a straight win.
For Day 1, the Lucky 15 bet is advised as an each-way bet.
Lake Forest 11/1 EW (3pl) – Ascot 2.30 (Queen Anne Stakes)
We know what to expect from nearly every runner in this race; they have all played their cards. The one runner which could improve for the step up in trip is Lake Forest.
Lake Forest has been better known as a sprinter, but transitioned into a longer distance horse when winning over the extended 7f in Australia. He was given a belting rid by young Ciaran Fallon who had his horses miles off the pace, but weaved through and managed to win on the line. The form of that race is very solid. He beat a horse called Lazzat, who is a French horse, who specialises over 7f and 6.5f.
Given how well he stayed over a slightly shorter trip, today's trip is worth exploring.
| Royal Ascot free bets | Offer | Free bet link |
|---|---|---|
| AKbets | 25% Lucky 15 Boost | Get the offer |
| Netbet | 40/1 on Field of Gold | Get the offer |
| Midnite | £20 in free bets & 30 free spins | Get the offer |
| Jeffbet | £30 in free bets | Get the offer |
Gstaad 5/1 EW (4pl) – Ascot 3.05 (Coventry Stakes Group 2)
Arguably, the biggest lottery of the week comes in the form of the Coventry Stakes. This race is for two-year-olds only and is run over the straight six furlongs.
After some thorough form reading and watching many replays, I've come to the decision that Gstaad is the one to be on. I don't think you can be ultra confident in races like this, unless you have a special juvenile like a Pinatubo or Too Darn Hot. Whether we have a horse of that calibre, time will tell. From what I've watched, I think Gstaad stands out the most.
Aidan has won this race three times in recent memory, and winning it with a horse who has run once seems to be the trend. He has a couple in this race, but Ryan has opted for my selection.
He was impressive on debut, when not the fancied runner from the yard. He beat his odds-on stablemate by 0.75L, pulling away at the finish. That reads as solid form, as the runner-up has form linked in with Lady Iman, who is a solid sprinter. Not only that, but True Love was ahead of Power Blue when being behind Lady Iman. Power Blue has franked the form by finishing behind Albert Einstein, who is one of Aidan's top two-year-old prospects.
The truly run affair which happens in these races and stiff track will play to Gstaad's strengths.
West Acre 16/1 EW (4pl) – Ascot 3.40 (King Charles III Stakes Group 1)
With a strong pace on offer from multiple horses, I think it could suit a hold-up horse.
West Acre is being massively overlooked for today's race, and it's a surprise, as I think the race will be run to suit. George Scott's progressive sprinter has shone during his spring campaign at Meydan. He broke the course record at Meydan during his run in a Group 2 in January. He was held up off the pace that day, so it shows that he is lethal when getting a proper tempo to aim at.
He hasn't had a run since his Group 1 defeat over 6f to Believing in early April, but I wouldn't worry too much.
Alphonse Le Grande 12/1 EW (5pl) – Ascot 5.00 (Ascot Stakes Heritage Handicap)
Tony Martin is a crafty old fox who knows his way around the handicapping system. He has already managed to plunder some big handicaps with Alphonse Le Grande, including the Northumberland Vase and the Cesarewitch. Both of those wins were not under his training licence, but he was definitely still in the background, lingering (was banned in the UK).
His runner for today's race might be on a tough mark, but he did win the big race at Newmarket last year off a mark of 87. He is running off a 6lb higher mark for today's race, which makes life tough for him, but we know he'll stay the trip.
He has had a prep run this season at the Curragh over 14f, which is far too short for him. He wasn't fancied to run well, and was gingerly handled by Seamie Heffernan, who had to explain to the stewards why he was so laid back (no surprise there).
Jamie Spencer is booked, so expect a last-minute lunge.
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