It is Royal Ascot week and Wales is set to feature on Flat racing’s most glamorous show. This week’s blog is dedicated to the five fantastic days with a run down of all the best Welsh-trained chances through the week.
Tuesday
Arran (David Probert)
Coventry Stakes (3.05)
It is a huge week for the top Welsh Flat jockey David Probert, starting with an interesting two-year-old on day one. Arran was a narrow winner at Newmarket in April in a race which has worked out well. He could be overpriced here.
Purosangue (David Probert)
King Charles III Stakes (3.45)
This runner is a big outsider in the day’s big sprint race having been beaten two times this season. He was only a neck behind Big Evs, the race favourite, at Goodwood last summer though and that form would give him an each-way squeak.
Certain Lad (David Probert)
Wolferton Stakes (5.40)
Many of Probert’s best chances this week come for Jack Channon, the son of footballer-turned-trainer Mick. This runner has been in good form but will need to improve a lot to win this competitive race.
Bague d’Or (Danny Muscutt)
Copper Horse Handicap (6.15)
Born in Zimbabwe but an adopted Welsh son, Danny Muscutt has said a first winner at Royal Ascot is the dream this season but whether he even gets this chance is in doubt.
The James Ferguson-trained runner is first reserve, meaning one horse will need to come out for him to get to run. Bague d’Or would have a leading chance though having won well on his first start of the season.
Wednesday
Metal Merchant (David Probert) & King’s Code (David Evans)
Royal Hunt Cup (5.05)
It may seem mad to suggest a horse in the 30-runner Royal Hunt Cup could be the most likely Welsh winner but that is the case for Metal Merchant. He and Probert have enjoyed a fine season so far, winning a valuable race at Newbury and following it up with a decent second. That is excellent form and he is definitely a contender again.
Monmouthshire-based David Evans has become accustomed to winners at Royal Ascot thanks to Rohaan and he sends outsider King’s Code to the big handicap. The four-year-old has been running well and is now dropped in distance.
Hopeful (David Probert)
Kensington Palace Stakes (5.40)
Another big chance for the Welsh wizard. This four-year-old was a very close second when last seen at Newmarket and could definitely go close here. She has potential on only her sixth career start.
Friday
Kind Of Blue (Danny Muscutt)
Commonwealth Cup (3.05)
One of the most intriguing runners of a competitive race having won two ordinary races. He was impressive at Doncaster last month and is well worth his place in this Group 1 contest. Trainer James Fanshawe is enjoying a great year too, having sent out Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly.
Saturday
Saint Lawrence and Russet Gold (John Deer), Ferrous (David Probert),
Wokingham Stakes (5.05)
There was a Welsh-bred and owned winner last season in Saint Lawrence and he will bid for Wokingham glory again for John Deer. He has not won since last season but is rated just 3lb higher than he was last season. He is joined this season but Russet Gold in the same colours.
Elsewhere, Probert hasn’t been officially booked for the big weekend handicap but he is expected to continue his association with this promising sprinter. He looks a lively outsider given he won back-to-back races in the early part of the season before running well in third last time.
