Adam Killeen: 12:40 Swindler
With the ground drying out all the time, the one to be on here is Swindler. If you look at his two wins at this course last season, he is surely better than a mark of 96 as he won with plenty in hand each time. He looks to be an Ascot specialist and today’s contest race should set up perfectly for him.
It would be disappointing if you didn’t get a good run for your money with Paddy Power paying 6 places if 18 or more runners take part. There’s currently 20.
James Ryan: 13:15 Sacred (each-way)
William Haggas’ filly could be very talented. The form from her win in Newmarket has worked out really well with several who finished behind her having won since. The drying ground will help. I really can’t see Sacred being outside the 4 places that Paddy are offering.
Conor Magner: 16:40 Ascot – Who Dares Wins
Alan King’s runner finished fourth in the Group 1 Cadran last October (finishing a dozen lengths off Cleonte who won this race in 2019). Has competed with merit in all the big racing festivals over the past few seasons, including an honourable third in the 2017 Ascot Stakes on unsuitably quick ground. Who Dares Wins holds unimpeachable claims against these rivals.
This will not be beaten.
Ryan McCue: 15:00 Royal Ascot – Pinatubo
Was disappointingly beaten in the 2,000 Guineas two weeks ago, but he hasn’t been seen at his best now on two occasions at that track. I am confident that back on a less undulating track he can reverse the form with Wichita. Pinatubo was a brilliant two-year-old last season and had Wichita behind when winning the Dewhurst. Outside Wichita, the rest need to improve plenty.
Paddy Desmond: 16:40 Ascot – Who Dares Wins
He won the Northumberland Plate first time up last season off a rating of 101 and Who Dares Wins is one of the few guaranteed stayers in this race. Grand Visir is solid but might be a few pounds short of what is needed to win this and Nate the Great is a doubtful stayer.
Frank Hickey: 15:35 Ascot – Khaadem (each-way)
He won on his reappearance last year, so the lack of a recent run shouldn’t be too much of an issue for him. Another positive is that trainer Charlie Hills’ four runners this week at the meeting have all run really well, so I’m hopeful that Khaadem can keep that up.
He wasn’t the most consistent last season, but when he was on his ‘A’ game he looked top class, particularly when he bolted up in the Steward’s Cup at Glorious Goodwood off a mark of 107.
Khadeem disappointed on his final two starts, but the testing ground wouldn’t have suited him. It looks likely that the straight course could dry out to ‘good’ by time this race is run. If that is the case, Kahaadem would have strong each way claims.
Read More:
- Horse Racing: How to watch racing for free with Paddy Power
- Horse Racing tips: Pundits’ cheat Sheet tips for Saturday at Royal Ascot
- Horse Racing tips: Frank Hickey’s 15 horses to follow for the 2020 Flat season
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