The second day of Royal Ascot 2011 promises to be just as exciting as Day One. There are five televised races on the BBC and we begin with the Group 3 showdown that is the Jersey Stakes.
Jersey Stakes (2.30)
The Jersey Stakes is run over seven furlongs and there are ten horses declared for Wednesday’s opener, with Codemaster looking like the one they all have to beat. The three-year-old has had two wins and two second places out of the four runs to date and might just edge out Majestic Myles.
Windsor Forest Stakes (3.05)
This is a fillies and mares race which looks to be a wide open contest. There are thirteen runners declared for the one mile showdown and Seta is currently favourite with most firms – Ladbrokes (£30 free betting) offer 4/1 about the Luca Camani charge.
Great things are also expected of Sajjhaa and the fact that Frankie Dettori is riding in the Godolphin colours will prompt many people to back this horse at 4/1 (William Hill). I’m a Dreamer could also be vying for favouritism and Coral currently offer 11/2.
Prince of Wales’s Stakes (3.45)
The world and his wife will be interested to watch the New Zealand speedball that is So You Think and the AP O’Brien-trained charge is currently a best price 1/2 (Paddy Power – £100 free bet) to deliver the goods and win over £200,000 for connections.
Perhaps Planteur is the only thing that can get close to So You Think, with Christophe Soumillon on board and having to make a decision whether to steal an early march on the favourite. Twice Over and Rewilding could be contesting third place and there isn’t much hope for the other three in the race.
Royal Hunt Cup (4.25)
This should be a spectacular race, with 33 horses expected to line up for the Royal Hunt Cup and it could be worth backing two or three in this race. We are likely to see some big price horses in the first four, so don’t be afraid of the so-called outsiders!
Green Destiny (7/1 bet365 – £200 free bets) is one of the classier animals in the race and the William Haggas-trainer charge has won its last three races, beating 18 others at Newmarket in April. Start Right is another with strong claims under the stewardship of Fallon and that can also be backed at 7/1 (Ladbrokes).
Our idea of a lively outsider is Lord Aeryn, who has finished in the first two in each of his three races this season and can be backed at 25/1 with William Hill.
Queen Mary Stakes (5.00)
This Group 2 Fillies race doesn’t offer much in terms of form due to the fact that each horse is a two-year-old, although Shumoos won convincingly at Haydock in May and could be the one to beat, something that is reflected in odds of 2/1 (Ladbrokes).