Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Royal Ascot Day 4 Tips
FRIDAY RACING TIPS
Ascot 2.30 – Albany Stakes
For Friday’s Albany Stakes I’m going to go with Topaz (20/1) who has a solid each-way chance here.
She was a real eye-catcher on debut at Newmarket just behind Andrew Balding’s Jolivette. Topaz herself was given a very educational ride out in the daylight, she ran really well with a great stride out in front.
She’s coming straight here on the back of that effort, and Jack Channon clearly holds her in high regard for Highclere.
It would be extra special if she could do the business here as she’d be my first Royal Ascot winner as a Bloodstock agent, so I’m hoping she can put her best foot forward as a really smart type.
This is obviously wide open but she’s going to be a big improver on her debut and I’m looking forward to seeing her back on track.
Megan’s Tip: Topaz E/W
Ascot 3.05 – Commonwealth Cup
Venetian Sun (5/4 fav) looks the worthy favourite here.
Very impressive on return to this trip in the Sandy Lane where she absolutely bolted out of the gate and is clearly all speed.
But the big overpriced runner has to be Havana Hurricane (28/1) who actually ran very well in what turned out to be quite a muddling race at Newbury when they kind of split into two groups, not that far behind Albert Einstein (6/1) and Song Of The Clyde (16/1).
So Havana Hurricane, he’s a winner at the royal meeting as a two-year-old and he will enjoy the pace of the race/track and could be the best each-way angle.
Megan’s Tip: Havana Hurricane E/W
Ascot 3.40 – Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes
The pick is Hopewell Rock (9/2) whose form worked out extremely well on his return to Newmarket where he ran with great promise.
He’s an improving horse and a fairly new recruit to Wathnan Racing; jockey James Doyle’s pick over Opportunity which I think is a potential reason for the market moving.
Another overpriced each-way pick would be Insanity (25/1) who’s gone well on this course and distance in each of his previous starts.
Megan’s Tip: Hopewell Rock WIN & Insanity E/W
Ascot 4.20 – Coronation Stakes
I could be wrong here, but in the Coronation I’m sticking with True Love (11/4). I just think that around the bend could really suit her; Wayne Lordan has clearly gotten on with her really well.
It’s been unfortunate for Ryan Moore to be on the wrong one in both of the Guineas, but if this does turn into a bit of a speed match around the bend, True Love’s the one I would want to be on.
Precise (8/15 fav) and True Love are two very talented fillies but I still think it’s going back to Ballydoyle and Coolmore despite the market suggesting it will be the other way around.
Megan’s Tip: True Love to WIN
Ascot 5.00 – Sandringham Stakes
In the Sandringham I’m going Glyfada (8/1) – Oisin Murphy on board, a really positive jockey booking who will have had a pretty good pick of a large majority in this field.
An improving filly running in a handicap for the first time – which goes for a lot of them as well – but she’s proven she can stay further than the mile, so the stiff mile at Ascot should really suit her.
And she’s looked pretty straightforward; progressive, winning her last two so plenty to like about Glyfada.
My each-way selection here is She Commands (18/1) for Ralph Beckett.
I loved her when I saw her for the first time at Sandown when she was far from the finished article; big, raw, rangey and very much looked like a three-year-old.
She won twice on the all-weather since but having seen her, I think she’ll be more of a turf and galloping track type of figure anyway.
She’ll also have around 5lb off her back with a useful apprentice in Jack Dace aboard.
Megan’s Tip: Glyfada to WIN & She Commands E/W
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
