Flat Racing 14th June (Ascot Day 1)

[chris34]

3.45 Ascot We all know if Frankel is anywhere near his best he will be impossible to beat but Wootton Basset could be a big price for an EW bet. Was a horse that started the Fahey/Hanagan revelation last year winning every start including final start in group1 Prix Jean-Luc at Longchamp on soft ground always looked the type that would easily see out the mile trip. Unable to lineup for 2000 Guineas due to a setback but did line up for the French 2000 Guineas but really didnt stand any chance from his wide draw but still ran a good enough race to suggest all his ability remains intact ahead of a 3yr old campaign and ground is certainly in his favour today and he could easily prove a nice priced placer in this race behind Frankel. 1pt e/w Wootton Bassett 16/1 pp 2.50 Thirsk Surprised to see Tribal Myth and Easy Terms so close in prices. Tribal Myth didnt appear to win with a huge amount up his sleeve last time for all he was hampered a few furlongs out, also has to prove stamina for this trip and has to be questioned. For me Easy Terms looks a solid bet, for all she hasnt been tried over this trip neither yet she stayed on so strongly last time out certainly suggests she would stay this trip. She has won her last 2 starts so comfortably she looks to be lb's ahead of the handicapper and a 7lb rise could be very lenient and Sullivan keeps the ride continueing to take off his 3lb meaning she is racing off another nice light weight and she won on good ground last time out aswell. 3pts win Easy Terms 9/2 pp

[Stevet1859]

Re: Flat Racing 14th June (Ascot Day 1) 3:05 Royal Ascot: Bridgetown 1pt win 14/1 Betfred & Holiday For Kitten 1pt win 33/1 Boylesports In recent times this race has gone to an overseas runner, with the Australians doing well. They are represented again with Star Winess and he looks likey to go close. Although the international form is hard to weigh up it, there are reasons why it may be worth chancing a couple of the American runners in what looks an open year. Bridgetown is trained by Todd Pletcher and has been running with credit at some of the top American tracks. Last time out he was second in a Grade 3 at Churchill Downs where Pletcher has an impressive record. Ascot will be a completely different proposition, however in that race Bridgetown just lost out to Steve Asmussen's Regally Ready who has been impressive, and the pair finished clear of the third Chamerlain Bridge who won the Breeders' Cup Sprint on Turf, a race Bridgetown finished fourth in. Bridgetown has possibly improved as a four year old and combined with a switch of stables, he could be a contender. Holiday for Kitten is more speculative, however her trainer Wesley Ward has already saddled winners at the Royal meeting and has taken his raid very seriously this year, encamping over the Channel so that his runners can settle in. Holiday For Kitten's form appears weaker than Bridgetown's, however she has won her last two starts in Kentucky and fillies have gone well in this in the past. Holiday For Kitten's most recent win was on the artificial surface at Keenland, and there is a theroy (unproven?) that horses that run well on the polytrack often perform on the relaid Ascot track. It's interesting that Holiday For Kitten is Wesley Ward's only 3 year old runner, so presumably he feels she is worth bringing over. 4:25 Royal Ascot: Italo 1pt e/w 15/1 William Hill (1234) Sticking with the American theme here. And with Italo there is some European form to go on. Wesley Ward brought his Royal Ascot runners over to France early and Italo ran well at Longchamp to win a maiden in a decent time. The second Ponte Vespucci franked the form when running a close second in a Listed race next time out. There is every chance that Italo could improve again. Although not drawn well he is likely to break well and set the pace and he looks a fair price.