With only a month to go till the newest renewal of Royal Ascot, followers of flat racing up and down the nation might be rubbing their arms in anticipation of the long-lasting assembly. In fact, the occasion happened behind closed doorways through the top of the pandemic final June. Nonetheless, this yr followers might be welcomed again to the historic course and that may undoubtedly make for a a lot better competition as horses and jockeys alike revel within the environment.
Stradivarius
There’s little question that Stradivarius would be the identify on everybody’s lips within the construct as much as Royal Ascot. Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori and the John Gosden-trained seven-year-old are gunning for an historic fourth-successive victory within the Group 1 race and they’re the outright favourites to take action at round 6/4. Stradivarius’ type left a little bit to be desired in the direction of the again finish of final season, as he did not win in three outings — his worst run of type since he began competing in 2016. Nonetheless, he was again within the winners’ enclosure at Ascot final month, and that may fill his backers with confidence.
Subjectivist
At 6/1, Subjectivist is the likeliest horse to cease Stradivarius, Dettori and Gosden from taking house a fourth Gold Cup. The Mark Johnson-trained four-year-old got here house in third at 22/1 within the King George V Stakes at Ascot final summer time, and went on to have an honest flat season — successful at Hamilton and Goodwood earlier than touchdown the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp in Paris. He’s began this yr with a victory within the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan and he’s actually in good nick to push Stradivarius all the best way at Royal Ascot.
Sir Ron Priestly
Sir Ron Priestly is one other horse from Johnson’s esteemed yard hoping to usurp the chances on this yr’s Gold Cup. The five-year-old, who’s at present 8/1, had a cracking season in 2019 — successful 5 of his seven races — and it seems to be like 571 days with out a race hasn’t hampered his profession as he’s again to successful methods, scooping victories at Nottingham and Newmarket already. The Gold Cup might be a step up, however don’t rule him out.
Trueshan
Trueshan is scorching on the heels of Sir Ron Priestly at 9/1. The Alan King-trained horse was a little bit of a combined bag for probably the most a part of final season — successful twice in 4 outings. Nonetheless, he has seemed a lot better since Hollie Doyle has taken the reins from Martin Harley. Doyle and the five-year-old landed a victory at 11/1 within the British Champions Lengthy Distance Cup at Ascot in October however had been narrowly overwhelmed by Ryan Moore and Japan at Chester earlier this month.
The likes of Tiger Moth (10/1), Search For A Track (12/1), Ocean Wind (12/1) and Santiago (14/1) are all subsequent in line.
Picture: Shutterstock