Royal Ascot Day 5 - Sat 19th June

[StuSimmy]

17:00 Ascot Going to side with two in this race. Firstly the five year old Martyr here from the Richard Hannon yard which is in very hot form, especially at Ascot this week. The horse has only had 17 runs to date from 3 years on the track which is not that much for a 5 year old. He has won twice on the AW and three times on turf. Spent the whole of 2008 on the AW before moving back to turf last year where he notched up two wins. Once at Windsor over 10 furlongs and once over today's trip at Newmarket. Appeared on the AW back in March before returning to turf in May where he disappointed but did follow that up with a win off a 2lb lower mark LTO over 12 furlongs at Newmarket once again. Relishes the quick ground since all 3 of his turf wins have been on Good to Firm ground so he will definately appreciate the ground conditions tomorrow. Was 3rd in this race last year off a 1lb lower mark, losing 2nd place in the final 100 yards so if a similar effort is produced today he should go close again. Drill Sergeant is last years winner and will run off the same mark tomorrow which means he should be competitive. He has experienced several group and listed races since the win last year and I feel he could have a chance of landing this again despite a poor run at York LTO especially now he has been dropped down 3lbs and down to a winnable mark. 0.5pts E/W Martyr @ 14/1 (Ladbrokes - BOG) 0.5pts E/W Drill Sergeant @ 25/1 (Ladbrokes - BOG)

[StuSimmy]

Re: Royal Ascot Day 5 - Sat 19th June 15:50 Ascot Another race where I will be siding with two. Firstly I am siding with Fleeting Spirit who will have 3lbs of weight in hand with most of the field due to getting an allowance. She has already won 5 group races to date, two group 3, two group 2 and one group 1 race so she will be looking to make it two in each grade today. Has done most of her running over the minimum trip but she has won over 6 furlongs so she can definately handle the trip. Ground conditions will also be ideal and with Richard Hughes having a great week to date then I am fairly confident he can steer her home in front. Has run twice at Ascot, both in group races where he was 2nd to the impressive Scenic Blast last year and 3rd to Equiano in 2008. He finished under a length behind in both those races and Equiano has won at the track this week. I also think Sayif represents some value here. He has won 2 and placed 5 times from 12 starts. Both those wins came in 2009 and he was very impressive when winning a Group 2 race over this course and distance on his last appearance of the season winning by 2 and a half lengths when running on very strongly. The run at York LTO would have blown away any cobwebs and should have a chance in this if fully wound up. 1pt win Fleeting Spirit @ 8/1 (Paddy Power - BOG) 0.5pts E/W Sayif @ 40/1 (Paddy Power - BOG) Seems like I am going for big prices tomorrow so lets hope I can get in the 100/1 thread with two 25/1 tips and a 40/1. Martyr isn't exactly a small price either. 16:25 Ascot Mouth watering class 2 handicap here. Many have strong claims and I fancy Rileyskeepingfaith to run a strong race. He has had a busy 2010 so far having half of his races to date since the turn of the year after not appearing once in 2009. Ran at Meydan 4 times with his closest effort being a 3rd place. He then ran at Kempton once before returning to turf at Newmarket. He then finished 17th in the Victoria Cup at this course over 7 furlongs. Won over this distance at Newbury after that in quick ground off a mark of 97 before a decent enough run at York LTO where he finished 3rd off todays mark of 102. Has previously won at this course over 7 furlongs and should have what seems to be his ideal conditions tomorrow so I expect a big run from Mick Channon's gelding. 0.5pts E/W Rileyskeepingfaith @ 25/1 (VC Bet - BOG)