with 29 runners at time of writing (Crazy Horse who was on a short list of about 8 is a non runner) you have to look at Royal Ascot form, Course form, handicap mark; Going preference and then try to work out the draw. The straight races yesterday did not indicate any real bias, pace and being able to find a position are vital and with 29 runners they will be strung out before perhaps making for the Stands side (high numbers) as the track drains down an incline from there.

 

When "confused" about the draw I think it's best to look at low / middle / high and find horses in each area who fit the form bill requirements and this is my analysis on basis of draw. Down low I most like KYREN in stall 2 who ticks every conceivable box and narrowly prefer over Beringer in Stall 3. In the middle of the draw a couple who stand out are ROBIN OF NAVAN drawn in Stall 13 for Oisin Murphy and Harry Dunlop, who I just fancy a bit more than Mordin in Stall 22 whose only negative is no Ascot form. Up in the high berths I think the stand out's are WHATS THE STORY for the in form Keith Dalgleish drawn in stall 26 and RAISING SAND who will love every bit of rain drawn in Stall 32, from where from memory Zhui Feng won this for us at 33/1 a couple of years back.

 

If you want to back something at really big odds I have put Afaak (could be really dangerous if fit) and Mitchum Swagger in the Tracker and the other one who really worries me is Clon Coulis drawn in 18 and with the always dangerous Jamie Spencer booked.

 

So, I have named 9 of the runners and in order of preference will select WHATS THE STORY ; ROBIN OF NAVAN ; RAISING SAND and KYNREN with Mordin and Beringer as the next most likely.

 

------------