Selections for Tuesday 17th of June 2024
2.30 Ascot
1 point each way Maljoom (10/1 William Hill, 4 places or else 9/1 Bet365/ 888 Sports/ Betfred, 4 places)
This is a good race to kick the festival off and cases can be made for most of the field. The first horse I want onboard is the William Haggas trained Maljoom. Maljoom was desperately unlucky in the St James’s Palace Stakes on good to firm ground back in 2022. He had won the German 2000 Guineas on his previous run and has only ran the three times since due to injury. He was sent off favourite for his seasonal reappearance over course and distance seven weeks ago finishing third of five. The re-opposing Docklands was ahead of him that day but I would imagine Maljoom can take a bigger step forward.
½ point each way Witch Hunter (40/1 William Hill/ Betfair, 4 places)
Witch Hunter is worth a small each way interest in the hope there is a burn up in front and there could be a pace collapse at the finish. He stays strongly and was successful over 7 furlongs in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting. He also won a Group 2 at Newbury last August. He finished a well beaten third in the Lockinge on his most recent try over 1 mile. We know he handles fast ground and he has won at the meeting before.
3.05 Ascot
1 point each way Cowardofthecounty (9/2 Skybet, 6 places or else 5/1 Generally, 5 places)
This son of Kodi Bear was very impressive on debut in a Curragh maiden back in April. He was a seemingly unfancied 17/2 on the day but had been reportedly working very well at home. He is a big horse who should improve throughout the season and is very laid back which should help him cope with the occasion. The second in that maiden Whistlejacket was a subsequent Listed winner which is a nice form boost. The Coventry Stakes is a stiff 6 furlongs for a Juvenile and stamina seemed to be Cowardofthecounty’s main asset at the Curragh where he finished his race very strongly.
1 point each way Electrolyte (33/1 Bet365/ William Hill/ Unibet, 5 places)
I always like an Archie Watson trained horse in this race and we hit the crossbar with his Army Ethos at a big price last year. Electrolyte won on debut at Ayr in a four runner race over 6 furlongs and is bred for further so should be able to see this out strongly. Watson targeted that same maiden last year with Army Ethos who like I said went close in this race last season so hopefully Electrolyte can run to a similar level and at least hit the frame.
3.45 Ascot
2 points each way Regional (4/1 Skybet, 6 places or else 9/2 Generally, 4 places)
The ground is a key factor for picking this horse as he thrives on ground that is good or faster. There are only two Group 1 winners in the race and he is one of them. Unfortunately Big Evs is drawn on the far side away from Regional but we do have Asfoora drawn near our selection and he is sure to give us a good toe into the race. I don’t think he’ll stay the stiff 5 furlongs but there is every chance he will lead until the final 100 yards. Hopefully it will be Regional who can run him down after that. The only slight negative to Regional is that it is his first run at the track but other than that he is rock solid.
5.05 Ascot
1 point each way Nusret (11/1 Skybet, 7 places or else 11/1 Paddy power, 6 places)
Nusret is another horse who will be suited by the faster surface. He was Grade 1 placed as a Juvenile hurdler and won at the Curragh on the flat over 1m 6f in a handicap off a mark of 89. He travelled strongly throughout that race and was a cosy winner at the end. The handicapper gave him 2 lbs for that win but now back on a faster surface he could be still competitive. The extra distance shouldn’t be a problem and could bring about more improvement.
6.15 Ascot
1 point each way Intinso (10/1 Skybet, 6 places or else 12/1 William Hill, 5 places)
Intinso is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his half brother Amtiyaz in the final race of the first day. Willie Mullins has a great record in this race and his runner Belloccio is sure to be popular. Intinso has taken a while to learn how to settle in his races but this bigger field will give him plenty of cover. He has the aid of a tongue tie for the first time and a draw in stall 2 is fine as long as he breaks on terms. He can then be settled behind the leaders before challenging around the final bend.
**Date & Time of next Selections Tuesday 18th of June at 9pm..