Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Royal Ascot Day 3 Tips
THURSDAY RACING TIPS
Ascot 3.05 – King George V Stakes
For the King George V I like Cannes (10/1) for Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle – a runner that switched to handicap for the first time and his maiden form is pretty strong.
He got off the mark on his third start but I think the races he has competed in have worked out pretty well, just a proven stayer and could well be a group horse in handicap company.
Joseph with a winner already at Ascot and Cannes has been in good form coming into this meeting, so plenty more to come from this horse.
Yeah, I expect owner Al Shaqab Racing to get back into the winner’s enclosure in this one.
Megan’s Tip: Cannes WIN
Ascot 3.40 – Ribblesdale Stakes
Legacy Link (7/4 fav) is my pick for the Ribblesdale.
Second in the Oaks about two weeks ago, but you could argue she ran a career best on ground that didn’t cater to her optimum.
She’ll likely enjoy the underfoot conditions better at Ascot given she’s an improving horse and this is a great opportunity.
You can only imagine that she’s bounced out of the Oaks really well as a filly with plenty of size and scope about her.
I don’t think there will be too many issues with her turning around two weeks later and as I say, I think she’ll be much happier on this better ground.
So Legacy Link for me.
She’s the class angle and a proven class act in field and should take the beating.
Megan’s Tip: Legacy Link WIN
Ascot 4.15 – Gold Cup
He’s been pretty underwhelming in the market, but Trawlerman (7/2) for me is just the proven class act here – especially at the extended distance.
Obviously impressive last year racking up a sequence of wins and has just been the class stayer of the last couple of seasons really.
There were doubts of him being able to make this meeting due to an issue with his eyes, with reports saying he’ll have to wear goggles in the parade ring beforehand just to protect him, but he for me is the class act.
William Buick knows him so well and if he can dictate on the front-end he will be very hard to pass; plus there would be no reason to rush him back if he wasn’t firing.
So I’m going to stay loyal and stick with Trawlerman.
Megan’s Tip: Trawlerman WIN
Ascot 4.50 – Britannia Stakes
I’ve got two horses here with great each-way value.
Blue Courvoisier (11/1) for Clive Cox and Saffie Osborne is the first who won up in Carlisle giving a very good ride on the front end and may not have as easy a time here but clearly a horse on the up.
The one we didn’t get to see on that occasion was Laureate Crown (12/1) who ended up being a non-runner but I really fancied him that day.
I was at Sandown when he won; so impressive and did it with ease. I don’t think he was asked every question either, so there was clearly more left in the tank and coming straight into the Britannia from missing Carlisle does him no harm.
Jamie Spencer on board who’s obviously exceptional riding over the straight track at Ascot. He likes to be held up and could have what it takes to pass horses late on.
Megan’s Tip: Blue Courvoisier E/W & Laureate Crown E/W
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
