Harry Angel is the class act in the Diamond Jubilee at Ascot, but Rory Delargy feels his achilles heel is failing to save anything for the stiff finish at Ascot, where he has failed to win in four tries.
2:30 CHESHAM STAKES
Mark Johnston’s favourite looks solid, particularly after stablemate Main Edition won well in the Albany. On the other hand, it takes a great deal of faith to argue that Cardini has claims on form given he’s been unplaced in two maidens to date. Yes, his connections are respected, but they seem to be throwing the dice at one of the meeting’s weakest juvenile events.
Recommended: Lay Cardini for a place @ 3.0 or shorter
3:05 HARDWICKE STAKES
A weak renewal with Crystal Ocean seeming to have the race at his mercy, although I would argue that Idaho has better claims of taking second than Barsanti, who figures at a shorter price. The latter has posted some consistent form figures, but his latest win over C&D came in a listed race, and he does look to have his limitations out of that grade.
Recommended: Lay Barsanti for a place @ 2.1 or shorter
3:40 WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES (LISTED) 5F
Moonlight Romance is drawn in stall 28 of 28, and although the stands rail has rarely been explored this week, I would be very surprised if she didn’t make straight for that spot in order to take advantage of her blazing speed and excellent draw. She was beaten by Shang Shang Shang on debut, but improved for the move to turf when winning easily last time, and looks to be one of Wes Ward’s best chances given the race she’s been entered in. I think the best way to play this is just to back the obvious speed, and she’s sure to trade shorter than her overnight price.
Recommended: Back Moonlight Romance @ 6.6 or bigger
4:20 DIAMOND JUBILEE STAKES (GROUP 1) 6F
Harry Angel is unbeaten away from Ascot, but it’s no coincidence that his form here reads 2224, as he is too free to truly last home over six furlongs at this stiff track. Trading opportunities should guarantee he doesn’t drift from his pre-race price of 3/1, and while he’s likely to get himself in a winning position again, the final furlong will feel like a long one, and he will have a bullseye on his backside for the others to aim at.
Recommended: Lay Harry Angel @ 4.0 or shorter
