It is no secret that Sir Michael Stoute’s horses have needed a run this season to sharpen them up. Time and again we have seen his runners improve by up to 7lbs from their seasonal debut, Integral being a case in point on Wednesday when comprehensively reversing Newmarket form.
The Newmarket handler has a strong team lined up for Friday and will be very disappointed if he comes away with nothing. Bold Sniper ran a great race at this meeting last year to be beaten just a length by Elidor in a competitive handicap and returns in peak form for the Wolferton Handicap at 3.05.
He was given a lot to do first time out at Newmarket but cut through the pack impressively to finish third to Niceofyoutotellme. As with the rest of the yard, he will surely improve for that run and my only concern is the shorter trip. This race is over a mile and a quarter which must be a minimum for the Royal runner so I’m hoping they go a fast gallop. He will love the ground and may have most to fear from old rival Café Society.
Snow Sky was nibbled at in the ante-post market for the Derby after winning the Lingfield Trial impressively. A minor knock prevented him from taking his chance at Epsom but that may have been a blessing in disguise. The Lingfield form looks weak but he is closely matched with Derby sixth Western Hymn on Newbury form. He was having his first start when beaten by the Gosden horse and his rival may be feeling his Epsom exertions.
Stoute also has a massive chance with Russian Realm in the closing Buckingham Palace Stakes at 5.35. He made rapid late headway to finish second first time out and then bolted up at Goodwood. He was racing off a mark of 88 that day and is now up to 96 but Ryan Moore only needed hands and heels to secure a comfortable win.
With 29 runners it is impossible to be too confident but he won in the style of a potential Listed or Group class winner and looks worth a bet at around 6-1. I would be kicking myself if I did not include Radiator as an each-way bet in the Coronation Stakes. Strictly on form she ought to be outclassed but she ran too freely when just beaten at York and will also improve markedly. The fact that she is running in the Group 1 is a hint in itself.
Bold Sniper 3.05 Royal Ascot at 4-1 BetVictor
Snow Sky 3.45 Royal Ascot at 5-1 Coral, William Hill
Radiator (each-way) 4.25 Royal Ascot at 16-1 Paddy Power
Russian Realm 5.35 Royal Ascot at 6-1 William Hill
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
