Royal Ascot - Day 3, Thursday

[smith17]

14.30 Ascot: Coach House, 11/4 William Hill, win Coach House won a listed race impressively lto at the Curragh. The form of that race has worked out well and he sets the standard today. Today's ground and distance will suit. Trainer Aidan O'Brien has had three winners and three places so far at this years Royal Ascot. Joseph O'Brien is in the saddle. 15.05 Ascot: Winsili, 11/2 Betvictor, win Winsili won a listed race impressively lto in her first start of the season. Second place won a listed race nto and third, who re-opposes today, ran well in the Epsom Oaks nto. She should come on a bit for that run and she should confirm form of that race. This is just her fourth run and she should have a bit of improvement to come. She steps up in trip which will suit as will the ground. Trainer John Gosden is still searching for his first winner of this years Royal Ascot but he has a great chance today. William Buick was on board lto and keeps the ride today. 15.45 Ascot: Times Up, 12/1 Bet365, win Times Up finished sixth in a group 3 lto in his first run of the season. That should have got rid of any cobwebs and put him in top condition for today. He finished last season winning two group 2s, both over marathon trips. He tries 2m4f for the first time but he should have no problem seeing it out. He is versatile when it comes to ground. Ed Dunlop is in decent form and Frankie is a big plus in the saddle. 16.25 Ascot: Maputo, 11/1 Bet365, win & Homage, 25/1 Paddy Power, e/w (1/4, 123456) Maputo has won his last three races. He was very impressive lto, winning easily by 2L. He has been put up nine pounds for that run but he should still have a bit more to come as this is just his fifth run. His last two runs were over 1m2f but he drops back to a mile today. He is usually a front runner so the proven stamina is a plus as he is likely to have competition for the lead. The ground will suit. Joe Fanning is in the saddle. Homage was beaten ½L by Ashaadd lto. He has been put up three pounds for that run but his jockey claims it back today. Before that he won at Haydock and Kempton. He tries a mile for the first time today and it should suit as will the ground. Trainer Jeremy Noseda is in great form and talented young jockey Darren Egan takes off a valuable three pounds. 17.00 Ascot: Chopin, 6/1 Betvictor, win Chopin finished seventh in the Epsom Derby lto. I don't think he really enjoyed that track and he got into a bit of traffic problems close home but it was still a decent run, finishing 3¾L behind Ruler Of The World. He won two races very impressively in Germany before going to Epsom. The first, back in November last year, he won by 9L with his jockey sitting still for the entire race. He started this season by winning a group 3 by 8L. Second that day finished a close second in a group 2 nto and third won nto. He has to carry a penalty for the group 3 win but he will still be competitive and he will go close today. Jamie Spencer is in the saddle. 17.35 Ascot: Eshtiaal, 8/1 Betfred, win Eshtiaal won impressively lto over just short of today's distance on soft ground. He tracked the leaders and went to the front 2f out. He ran on strongly and won by 4½. Second that day won nto. There should be a bit more improvement to come. Today's ground will suit. Trainer Brian Meehan is in good form. Paul Hanagan is a big plus in the saddle.

[Aidymac]

Re: Royal Ascot - Day 3, Thursday *Model Pupil > Ascot 3:45 > Each-way @ 50/1 Bet365 BOG* This price is very big I reckon. Lightly raced horse, trip is a question mark of course, but ran well over 2 miles last time out. Very interestingly, this is the first ever time the horse will meet good ground, which could bring out some improvement. Don't think we have seen the best of this horse yet, so is worth a bet at the price.