Day three of Royal Ascot is upon us and we've once again gone through the hundreds of selections on the platform to draw some conclusions of our own as to which horses could be worth backing today. Yesterday was a mixed bag. Dream Castle only managed 5th in the first, and a great run from Heartache caused us plenty of heartache having backed Happy Like A Fool. It wasn't until the Prince of Wales' Stakes that we got our winner, with Highland Reel at 5/2. Races 5 and 6 say both Ballet Concerto and Rain Goddess place, with the latter almost managing a win to end the day.
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Anyway, no point dwelling on the past, we've ran the numbers again today and here are the bets that are proving to be popular for today's races...
\r\n\r\n
\r\n2:30pm - Norfolk Stakes
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Havana Grey has back to back wins over 5f on good to firm ground and has already seen off one competitor here in Frozen Angel at Sandown. That race contained a particularly strong winner from day one and may have just tipped us off here. The pace of McCerin and the particularly strong performers coming out of that stable is a concern and that’s a horse to consider, as is perhaps Nine Below Zero given form. But Havana Grey showed a turn of pace out of the gates at Ayr and is the popular selection here.
\r\n\r\n
\r\nPopular Bet: Havana Grey @ 8/1, Sky Bet
\r\n\r\n
\r\n3:05pm - Hampton Court Stakes
\r\n\r\n
\r\nBay of Poets’ recent form will show not a win in sight but further inspection will show two very creditable performances in Derby trials against a high level of opposition. Bay of Poets was beaten into a seventh placed finish last time out but the stable were pleased enough with recent preparation and always had Royal Ascot in mind. Bay of Poets has since been gelded and may be an even more willing runner here. Gold Spinner is expected to outrun his odds and also Mucho Applause could live up to the ratings and there may be more to this horse than the 25/1 price tag suggests, but it is Bay of Poets who’s the common choice here.
\r\nPopular Bet: Bay Of Poets @ 10/1 with Bet Victor
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3:40pm - Ribblesdale Stakes
\r\n\r\n
\r\nIt’s been a competitive week at Ascot with the bookmakers taking a fair few hits on favourites. Mori is exactly that and could have too much for the chasing pack. Sir Michael Stoute and Wesley Ward were mentioned for their fine record in certain stakes yesterday and both came through. It’s good to note Sir Michael has had a good record in this one down the years. There’s been a marked improved from the last run out here based on a recent showing at Sandown and Mori could improve further here to a comfortable victory, or at least that is the general consensus on the platform.
\r\nPopular Bet: Mori @ 10/3 with Bet365
\r\n\r\n
\r\n4:20pm - Gold Cup
\r\n\r\n
\r\nOrder of St George is expected to be a runaway winner by many here and the price reflects that. You’re always likely to get a good ride from Ryan Moore and the form is impressive. But are you happy betting odds on in a somewhat otherwise open field? The feeling around the platform is that if someone can make a strong challenge here then it should be Big Orange. Order of St George is defending last season's win here but seems a tad overrated, as he should be asked questions by frontrunner Big Orange, who has shown grit and determination and likes to run from the front. Big Orange gets the nod.
\r\nPopular Bet: Big Orange @ 7/1 with Coral
\r\n\r\n
\r\n5pm - Britannia Stakes
\r\n\r\n
\r\n14% of all bets are going on the shortening favourite Son Of The Stars here, but a decisive 60% of money is going outside of the top five, although each way betting is likely to be the method behind the madness there. The general feeling on the platform is you don’t need to look outside the top five for a winner. Whilst there are nods to several others, the name coming up again and again is City of Joy. 25/1 Ronald R was a clear match for Son Of The Stars last time out which concerns, whilst City of Joy has won the last two outings at 8f with something to spare and should handle the 1m just fine. Back to back wins on good to firm ground this season leaves City of Joy well placed.
\r\nPopular Bet: City of Joy @ 9/1 with Bet Victor
\r\n\r\n
\r\n5.35pm - King George V Stakes
\r\n\r\n
\r\nFavourite Atty Persse is drifting and may be in for a stiff challenge here. Mister Manduro, Sofias Rock, Master Singer and Drochaid are all receiving some backing but Master Singer is the choice of the people and in wider circles is also considered the one likeliest to provide competition to the favourite. The wide draw may be a deterrent in some races but not in this one as the last five winners have raced out of double digit stalls. Master Singer will go from 15 and Atty Persse in 22. Atty Persse has been comfortable at 1m and makes the step up to 1m 4f here, and although expected to suit clearly the toughest test yet awaits. Master Singer was a clear 16l winner at 1m 2f last time out on good ground and will wear cheekpieces for the first time today which should make for added focus.
\r\nPopular Bet: Master Singer @ 7/1 with William Hill
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n