13:10 – Celestran
With the ground getting much quicker a few of these will be inconvenienced, whereas our pick Celestran has won on rock-hard ground at Yarmouth at the start of the season. He bumped into a very well handicapped runner last time at Ascot who has given the form a solid look since. He looks the each-way play.
13:45 – One Master
One Master has contested seven consecutive Group 1 races recently and now takes a significant drop down in grade. She definitely is a long sprint specialist over the 7f and has also been gifted an inside stall position. She is very hard to get away from.
14:15 – My Oberon
My Oberon looked really good when stretching away from the field at York and now dips his toe into tougher company. He will need to raise his game as he is taking on one of the most impressive Royal Ascot winners in Khaloosy. It’s a quick jump up in grade for the selection but the trainer doesn’t point them in this direction unless they have shown him the required ability.
14:45 – Urban Icon
I’m going to give Urban Icon one last roll of the dice as he now finds himself in handicap company after originally being the yard’s 2,000 Guineas runner in 2019. Richard Hannon’s yard is hot right now and he could have the class edge over the field. He will love the quicker underfoot conditions too and should hit the frame at least at a double-digit price.
15:15 – Battaash
The speed ball on the speed track is a perfect combination. If Battaash gets down to post in one piece without blowing a gasket it looks a straightforward opportunity to win again at his favourite venue. Liberty Beach may give him most to think about.
15:45 – Desert Encounter
Desert Encounter is the old boy of the party at the age of eight, yet he retains all of his zest and enthusiasm. He’s been knocking on the door in decent company of late and his hold-up style of racing will not be a problem as we only have a seven-runner field. He will be played fast and late, by jockey Jim Crowley.
16:20 – Zamaani
Zamaani was a very comfortable winner last time out at Windsor and is saddled with top weight for a reason. He wasn’t cheap at 210,000 guineas and we may not see the best of him until he steps up further in distance. However, he has the required speed to cope with this slick six furlongs.
16:55 – Beautiful News
Beautiful News has a fantastic pedigree, by the superstar stallion Shamardal out of a Group 2 winner for the stable. We get to see the real classy types making their racecourse debuts at this time of the season and connections will be looking for a special performance on the track.
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Jason Weaver’s tips summary
13:10 – Celestran
13:45 – One Master
14:15 – My Oberon
14:45 – Urban Icon
15:15 – Battaash
15:45 – Desert Encounter
16:20 – Zamaani
16:55 – Beautiful News
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