A win (Lord North @5/1) and several placed runners (including Almufti @33/1 and Group One Power @28/1) ensured results weren't too shabby for Philippos's followers on day two of locked-down Royal Ascot 2020.
Today is traditionally known as 'Ladies Day' where the Gold Cup takes centre-stage as the feature race of the entire meeting. But it's a colt in the shape of Stradivarius who will grab all the headlines by joining the ranks of the staying greats if he can manage a third victory in this historic, stamina-sapping contest.
Whether or not he's successful may well depend on how much rain falls at the course by post-time. The already softish going could get a whole lot more testing with torrential downpours predicted for just about anywhere today.
Don't forget, UK racing fans can follow the action on terrestrial TV c/o ITV Racing. The broadcaster is doing its best to make viewers feel part of the Royal Ascot action, despite the empty grandstands and strict social distancing measures that apply to jockeys and trainers.
Hopefully, Philippos can play his part as well and deliver another winner or two today. Like the Gold Cup, Royal Ascot is a marathon not a sprint. Don't forget, we're not yet halfway through the week. Good luck! (Follow me on Twitter: @moneyandmedia).
Royal Ascot Thursday 18 June 2020
Going: good, good-to-soft in places (thundery showers forecast)
As these are crazy Covid times, I'm suggesting three bets per race: 1) a selection with a good chance of winning; 2) an each-way suggestion capable of out-running his or her odds; 3) where the fields are large enough, an "exotic", a combination bet that can produce huge dividends for a small outlay.
Eg, a 50p combination exacta of three different horses (that requires two of the three selections to place first and second) costs £3. A 50p combination trifecta of three horses costs the same, but you need to place first, second AND third.
NAP: Sir Dragonet
NB: King Leonidas
1.15 Golden Gates Handicap 1 mile 2 furlongs
An extra consolation race added to this year's Royal Ascot programme as a one-off. Run on the round course, so we'll get an early idea of just how much rain has fallen before the opener. May go to a strong closer.
Win: Hypothetical
Each-way: Grand Rock
Life-changer: combination exacta, Hypothetical, Grand Rock, Bronze River
1.50 Wolferton Stakes Listed 1 mile 2 furlongs
Same distance as the opener, but for older horses rather than 3yo. If the going's turned really heavy, a brave jockey may deliberately run wide losing lengths to the field but in search of better ground.
Win: Sir Dragonet
Each-way: Dream Castle
Life-changer: combination trifecta, Sir Dragonet, Dream Castle, Fox Tal
2.25 Jersey Stakes Group 3 7 furlongs
One of Philippos's favourite races of the meeting traditionally. It's tended to be more of a consolation race for 3yo horses just shy of top class.
Win: King Leonidas
Each-way: Mystery Power
Life-changer: King Leonidas, Mystery Power, Monarch Of Egypt
3.00 Chesham Stakes Listed 7 furlongs
A race that's grown in stature in recent renewals and confined to the progeny of horses with a bit of stamina in their pedigree. Not too many runners so we'll split stakes and go for two win selections.
Win: Battleground
Win: Modern News
3.35 Gold Cup Group 1 2 miles 4 furlongs
Stradivarius is the roasting hot odds-on favourite and if he brings his 'A' game he wins, especially with relatively few rivals taking him on. With unsettled weather running for punters, the smart tactic may be to find an each-way shot at fancy odds to at least make the frame.
Each-way: Withold
4.10 Britannia Stakes Handicap 1 mile
Always a cavalry charge of a race for same-age 3yo handicappers run over the straight mile.
Win: Enemy
Each-way: Dubai Mirage
Game-changer: combination exacta, Enemy, Dubai Mirage, Ziggle Pops
4.40 Sandringham Stakes Handicap 1 mile
A race confined to 3yo fillies and another cavalry charge to round off day 3. Worth taking on the red hot favourite in a race of this type.
Win: Soffika
Each-way: Waliyak
Life-changer: combination trifecta, Soffika, Waliyak, Onassis
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