RACING expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) returns to share his best bets from Day 2 of the 2020 Royal Ascot festival.
Hampton Court Stakes | 1:50 Wednesday | Royal Ascot | ITV
The group race action gets underway here and the Hampton Court often throws up a very decent winner. This looks a good renewal but looking at the head of the market one has form that stands out as high-class compared to his rivals and is a very fair price.
Juan Elcano (7/2 BetVictor) ran fifth in the Guineas 11 days ago and I suspect this year's Guineas will prove top form. What I like about his Guineas form is that he was prominent throughout and tried to win it, he never ran on when the race was over to claim a place.
His trainer believes his future lies over further and the extra two furlongs here will suit. His two-year-old form stack up well too and despite taking on Stoute and O'Brien horses who are open to improvement, Juan Elcano is too and I think he will be very hard to beat.
Prince of Wales's Stakes | 3:00 Wednesday | Royal Ascot | ITV
The Prince of Wales's Stakes is always on of the races of the week and despite the small field this looks a great race. I'm taking a chance on one who hasn't cut it at Group 1 level yet but I believe he will this season.
Japan is a worthy favourite however I suspect his main target lies later in the season and over further. He is the one to beat but he may be vulnerable over this trip on his seasonal debut.
Addeybb is now a dual Group 1 winner and loves it here. My concerns are he had two hard races in Australia so may not be as fresh as ideal, and he needs the ground a little softer to excel. However, he is definitely on the shortlist.
I've backed Headman (7/1 Bet365). He looked a superstar when winning on debut at Newcastle but has taken time to reach that level. Two solid wins in France followed by a better than the bare result effort in Ireland at Group 1 level shows he deserves his place here.
The stable is going well, he will enjoy the ground and this is his target. He needs to improve but I'm taking my chances on him doing just that.
Best Bets
1.50 Ascot – Juan Elcano (7/2 BetVictor)
3:00 Ascot – Headman (7/1 Bet365)
