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The Timeform Expert's View: Day One's Best Bets
Posted in: Royal Ascot Tips
Timeform's Nic Doggett provides his best bet, next best and best longshot on the first day of Royal Ascot 2019, which includes a 14/1 shot in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Nap: Too Darn Hot, St James's Palace Stakes (16:20 Ascot)
Too Darn Hot has three lengths to find on Phoenix of Spain on their Irish 2000 Guineas run, but John Gosden has openly criticised how he has campaigned his horse, with that run coming just nine days after a hard race in the Dante Stakes at York. Too Darn Hot had previously made Phoenix of Spain look pretty pedestrian in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last year, and as Timeform’s highest-rated juvenile of 2018, he is not one to give up on yet. Any rain that hits Berkshire will be in Too Darn Hot’s favour, and with Jamie Spencer’s record on front-runners at Ascot cause for concern for Phoenix of Spain, the latter looks one to take on.
Next Best: Mabs Cross, King's Stand Stakes (15:40 Ascot)
Blue Point has the beating of Battaash and Mabs Cross on their run in this last year, while Battaash has the beating of Mabs Cross judging by his emphatic win in the Temple Stakes at Haydock last time, but it’s not quite as straightforward as that, and Michael Dods’ star mare is fancied to turn the tables. She again proved her class when landing the Prix de l’Abbaye on her final start last term, and looked better than ever when winning the Palace House Stakes on her return. Though beaten over three lengths at Haydock, she had to concede weight to Battaash and is 5 lb better off here. With a strongly-run race likely to suit her fast-finishing style, she represents plenty of value.
Long Shot: Accidental Agent, Queen Anne Stakes (14:30 Ascot)
The lack of a standout star amongst the older generation in the miling division means we have a wide-open renewal of the Queen Anne, much like we did last year, when straight-course specialist Accidental Agent caused a 33/1 shock in the meeting's curtain raiser. Admittedly, things didn't go to plan for him in two subsequent starts last season, but there was plenty to like about his effort when third behind Mustashry on reappearance in last month's Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. Although beaten three lengths on the day, he confirmed he's as good as his win in this last year suggested, and shaped as though the outing would bring him on plenty. The main danger could be Laurens, who did best of those to race prominently in the Lockinge, and is another who should come on for the run.
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