HORSE RACING boff Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bet from Saturday's action from Royal Ascot.
3:40 Royal Ascot | Windsor Castle Stakes | ITV
The Windsor Castle Stakes is a five furlong Sprint for two-year-olds and there is a huge field here. There are some generous each-way terms available with bookmakers paying up to five places so I'm looking for an each-way selection.
Moonlight Romance (6/1 Sportingbet) was a rare losing debutante for Wesley Ward however she put that right with a wide margin victory on her second start. She's clearly a decent filly and his stable does well here, but I'm looking elsewhere.
I'm surprised Van Beethoven (9/1 William Hill) is in this race. In my opinion, he was further up the Ballydoyle pecking order however his defeat at odds-on last time when second at the Curragh changed things.
That race. however. has worked out well and I think he is the class horse in the race. The fast pace and stiff finish should suit and I think he is a good each-way bet here
4:20 Royal Ascot | Diamond Jubilee Stakes | ITV
The Diamond Jubillee Stakes is the Saturday feature race and what a race we have in prospect. Twelve go to post and it's a very competitive looking field, but there is one in here who ticks all the boxes I want and is sure to run a big race.
Harry's Angel (3/1 BetBright) on his day is sensational. A dual Group 1 winner, he returned with an impressive victory at York and is clearly the one to beat here. However, he is nought from four at Ascot and he's unbeaten away from the track, which to me is a huge concern and that fact alone makes him opposable.
Merchant Navy (4/1 BetVictor) was a good sprinter in Australia and was sent over to Ballydoyle for a European campaign to boost his stud value. He won well on debut and connections expect him to improve significantly from that, and if he does he is sure to go close.
However, it's hard to weigh up exactly how good he is and with a strong ‘home' team, I'm taking him on.
The Tin Man (8/1 Bet365) won this race last year and he is a dual Group 1 winner at the track yet he is a little over looked here. His trainer James Fanshaw is a master at producing a horse for the big day and this is his target.
He won well on his reappearance and I feel he is well worth an each-way bet in this.
Best Bets
3:40 Royal Ascot – Van Beethoven each-way (9/1 William Hill)
4:20 Royal Ascot – The Tin Man each-way (8/1 Bet365)
