I say looking at the old calendar I'm amazed to see that there are just 7 days to go until old Royal Ascot begins! So what are the membership looking forward to the most??? Is it Sir Henry's Frankel competing in the card commencer, Aussie superstar Black Caviar running in the 'Diamond Jubilee', a handicap plot you've got your eye on or seeing what colour hat The Queen wears on 'Ladies Day'?!? I would agree that seeing Frankel and Black Caviar run, across the county line, are obvious highlights but for me I can't wait to see Michael Bellâs Momentary run in the 'Ribblesdale'. My regular readers will recall how taken I was when she won Newbury's 'Oaks Trial' last month and I even urged her owner, The Queen, to supplement the old girl into the Oaks itself. Something on reflection that she should have done as the runner-up in Royal Berkshire subsequently finished 2nd in the big 'un on Epsom Downs. I think Momentary is a most promising filly and can see her obliging in next Thursday's Group 2 heat. Intriguingly, her great-grandmother in the female line (Phantom Gold) also won the Ribblesdale back in the 1990's. Other highlights for this correspondent, at this stage, would be Sir Prancealot in the 'Norfolk Stakes', John Gosdenâs selected in the âKing Edward VIIâ, Medicean Man at a big price in the Wokingham, following his highly promising run at the weekend, and looking out for Mr Henderson's runners in the staying races. As he proved last term with Veiled, in the Ascot Stakes, there really is no better trainer when it comes to targeting one at a Flat prize.
Frankel, without a doubt! I've blagged my ticket for the Grandstand on Tuesday and hired a hat! For those that are interested, I shall be dressed in magenta and black
I'm also there on the Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing Frankel in the flesh, and I've also bagged a grandstand ticket! First time at Ascot though and looking forward to it. Have looked at the cards in detail yet, but think a Frankel/Sole Power double could be an opening flutter.
I bet you'll look nice in that dress Princess. I note you'll be in the grandstand. Will you be popping out? I guess you will have your hair piled up.
I would rather spend the week watching racing from Southwell than go to Royal Ascot. It is everything I hate about the big flat meetings. Bring on Glorious Goodwood instead. Now that is a day out!!
Black Caviar is the horse I'm looking forward to seeing most, from her races in Australia I don't think I've ever seen a sprinter win G1 races so easily.* I never normally go on the Saturday as it's far to busy, but I'm making an exception this year *
I see that connections of Medicean Man are now saying its ‘likely’ that he will take in a tilt at the ‘King’s Stand’ prior to a run in the Wokingham. Those bookie chappies have him priced up at 50/1 and 25/1 respectively for those heats. Medicean Man’s Ascot record though is worthy of close inspection, people. The 6YO has won 3/6 at the Royal Berkshire venue and also finished a close 2nd at the course when carrying a welter burden of 10 stone 1 pound. Wooohooooo! The main news though is that its only 24 hours until we discover who Mr Henderson is going to opt to go with in the old Ascot Stakes. Which one of his glorious bastion will get the call up?!? Nass, my views on ‘Glorious’ Goodwood are seemingly the same as yours are re Royal Ascot. Been once and didn’t like. Albeit it was on 'Celebration Mile' day rather than the July meeting. I'm going next Friday meanwhile but don't forget that the dress code has been amended. Gentlemen can no longer, for instance, wear either brown shoes or cravats!
My goodness me; does this mean my Church's brown grained brogues are redundant in the county of Sussex. What is fan of Robert Donat to do in this modern world!!!!
The popping out or your hair piled up. The former was a bit naughty I'm afraid - sorry. The latter was a very poor joke relating to your hired hat. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
What are the ground conditions likely to be for day one? I can imagine we'll start soft, then hopefully let the ground dry out through the week, weather permitting. Better get the list of soft ground sires out methinks...
