Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Royal Ascot Day 1 Tips
TUESDAY RACING TIPS
Ascot 2.30 – Queen Anne Stakes
For the Queen Anne, I’m sticking with Notable Speech (7/4 fav) who was my selection in the Lockinge – a classy miler who looks back to his best.
Plenty of speed on here helps so if they go quick and he settles, he’ll slice his way through the field especially with that explosive turn of foot.
He was categorised as a better horse around the bend but he’s proven himself in the Guineas and out in the Lockinge as well that the straight is no problem for him; he’s got that back class and I thought he was very impressive.
I actually think his main danger is his stablemate Opera Ballo who isn’t the most straightforward but has been more professional. I think his winter in Meydan over in Dubai did him the world of good.
William Buick gave a tactically excellent ride at Sandown when he won pretty impressively beating the likes of Zeus Olympios and Field Of Gold that day.
It will be interesting to see if they use those front-running tactics again or drop him in with a bit of cover.
Megan’s Tip: Notable Speech WIN
Ascot 3.05 – Coventry Stakes
In the Coventry I’ve gone with Ruler’s Pride (9/1) who was an expensive breeze up purchase for Wathnan Racing.
He was very impressive on his debut albeit it was only a small field but the form has been boosted quite considerably, making that day look rather straightforward; just a really likeable colt with plenty more to come.
James Doyle will be riding Royal Heritage and I imagine it was a pretty tricky decision for him with a couple of smart Wathnan colts heading for the Coventry.
But James McDonald is a pretty decent super sub on Ruler’s Pride who looks to be a really special horse.
Trainer Karl Burke is also in great form.
Megan’s Tip: Ruler’s Pride WIN
Ascot 3.40 – King Charles III Stakes
This is an interesting one with Aussie raiders coming over but I have gone for American Affair (7/1) who obviously had a setback after last year but was back to better form at Haydock against the rejuvenated Night Raider.
But I think he really suits the stiff five furlongs of Ascot.
He was explosive last season and I think he comes in here with another solid chance. I think this has very much been on their mind from 12 months ago and they’ve just eased him back into things nicely.
He could take a big step forward from Haydock once again back to a track he thrives on, so American Affair is the pick.
Megan’s Tip: American Affair WIN
Ascot 4.20 – St James’s Palace Stakes
St James's Palace is a great clash of the three-year-olds.
It was great to see two Guineas winners heading here to take each other on but I’m with Bow Echo (8/11 fav) who was so impressive in the Guineas at Newmarket.
He showed a great turn of foot and was so strong to pull well clear of the opposition; it was all very impressive in my opinion.
I think his biggest danger would be Talk Of New York who didn’t line up in the Guineas but has always been held in high regard by Charlie Appleby and won quite comfortably at Sandown last time.
Quite a keen going forward type of horse so he will have to handle the occasion and if William can get him into a rhythm early, will definitely be a danger to our favourite.
But I think Bow Echo is the correct favourite and looks to be getting shorter.
Megan’s Tip: Bow Echo WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
