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Royal Ascot form - Thursday

Fantastic results on Wednesday with winners in the opening two races at 11/1 SP, with better prices available earlier or on Betfair. But absolutely gutted that So You Think was beaten, without even a penny on him. Awful tactics from Aiden O'Brien, employing a completely unnecessary pacemaker who then went too hard, got So You Think fired up and went for home on the turn. Backmakers need pacemakers, horses who sit up on the pace don't. I hate the concept of pacemakers with a passion, being able to determine the pace of a race sorts out the great jockeys from the good ones. There's nothing wrong at all with a horse like Dancing Rain winning the Oaks because her jockey did his homework and controlled the race from the front. Pacemakers do more harm than good. A great horse that needs everything served up on a plate for it isn't truly great....


NORFOLK STAKES

Tough race here, big field of 2yos with plenty of scope for improvement.

Bapak Chinta - won very easily at Hamilton, defeating Fredrick Engels who won here on Tuesday. Started odds-on that day and smashed the field of four. Kevin Ryan is very good with 2yos but I wasn't impressed with Phillip Makin's ride on Dozy today. There's a big gap between him and some of his rival jockeys. Can't be supporting him as favourite in a Royal Ascot race.

Everyday Dave - American flying machine, but the visitors from the States haven't been performing this week, so can't support this one at the price.

Crown Dependency - won very easily on debut at Goodwood, has the lethal Hannon and Hughes combination behind him. Must go close.

Pyman's Theory - won impressively at Sandown last start, defeating Bannock. Named after Racing Post expert James Pyman's theory about Exceed and Excel progeny performing better at Ascot. Here's her chance to prove it!

Silverheels - the oldest horse in the field, being a January foal. Brilliant win on debut back in April, hasn't raced since. Booking of Ryan Moore should be a plus but he's not at the top of my jocks list after today's effort on SYT!

Sans Loi - destroyed a field at Nottingham on debut last week. Standard of his opposition was weak, but did it very easily. Could be a silly price.

There are a few others in contention who ran on Tuesday, no idea if they will back up or not. It's the last four horses above I've named I'll be looking at most closely and linking up in the exotics.


RIBBLESDALE STAKES

Not getting far on replay form tonight, but don't let Dorcas Lane get under your guard.

(Midday update - Bert Black is hopeful about Sunday Bess in this race. She'll improve with a visor on first time, but still think she has a lot to find. Good luck with her Bert!)


GOLD CUP

Fame and Glory goes around quite short in this but Holberg's record on firm tracks is very strong. Plus he won the Queen's Vase here two seasons ago. 8/1 each-way is a great deal, Hills are paying 1/3 1,2,3 as well.

(Midday update - not so keen on Holberg now, reckon this rain reduces his chances. Makes it very tough now)


BRITANNIA STAKES

Trying to avoid the handicaps but did read somewhere the other day Capaill Laith has been laid out for this by Michael Bell, and I did rate him as a 2yo. Worth a nibble at 40s.


TERCENTENARY STAKES

Will put more work into this race tomorrow, but I'll be closely watching Alkimos.


KING GEORGE V STAKES

Too hard, will pass.



Good luck!

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