As predicted, winners were hard to find at last week’s Royal Ascot festival. Opening day ‘good thing’ Russian Blue did not run and my other selection, Norse Dancer in the Queen Anne, faded badly as former Guinness favourite, Refuse to Bend, swept home under Dettori at 12-1.
On Wednesday, my tip Rakti ran away with the Prince of Wales Stakes at rewarding odds of 3-1, confirming his superstar status in the process. He should remain unbeaten this season over 10 furlongs on fast going. Thursday saw Baraka not run and both my Gold Cup fancies, Ingrandire and Mr. Dinos, turned over by the impressive second favourite, Papineau.
That left Friday’s banker, Attraction, in the Coronation Stakes. The unbeaten filly extended her run, never being headed, as she won easily by two and a half lengths – 6-4 not being bad odds for a certainty!
Overall, Ascot proved a minefield, as usual, but followers of this column should have emerged winners and be able to afford The Resident for at least another year.
Next up is the Irish Derby – probable winner North Light. However, it is not worth backing at prohibitive odds.
PS. My last nap, Doyen, streaked home by six lengths on Saturday and looks a very good bet for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes next month.
