Day three of Royal Ascot is fast approaching and the Gold Cup takes center stage in East Berkshire – live Air sports races…
4.25 Royal Ascot – Star Stayers Kyprios and Gregory headline Gold Cup
Aidan O’Brien has won this prestigious race a record eight times, and Kyprios will be a good order to add another success as he attempts to regain his crown after winning the race in 2022. The six-year-old showed he is back to his best by winning both starts this season and should take a lot of beating. under Ryan Moore.
John and Thady Gosden Gregory won the Queen’s Vase at this meeting last year and rates the main danger as he heads in distance under James Doyle.
Among the others, last year’s finalist Coltrane won the Sagaro Stakes at this track last month and could be return value for Andrew Balding and Oisín Murphy.
3.45 Royal Ascot – Undefeated Diamond Rain bids for Ribblesdale glory
Rain of diamonds – the Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Shamardal – has attracted attention by winning both starts to date, claiming a novice at Ascot before winning the Listed Haras De Bouquetot Fillies Trial Stakes at Newbury and is keen to progress again so that she tackles the 12 stages for the first time.
Andrew Balding Saddles Kalpana who has shown great promise in her three starts, notably when chasing Friendly Soul in a Listed series at Newmarket last time out.
You came to me sawn from Rubies are red And Danielle when the Oaks Trial lands at Lingfield, and this trio should be in the mix for places.
2:30 p.m. Royal Ascot – Whistlejacket designed for Norfolk’s success
Aidan O’Brien, the son of No Nay Never Whistle Jacket built on his debut second to Cowardofthecounty (who ran in the Coventry Stakes) to comfortably land the Listed First Flier Stakes and ranks as the one to beat under Ryan Moore.
Wathnan Racing appears to have an equally strong hand with two riders. James Doyle rounds Beverley winner Shareholderwho challenged the green to win the Trophée des Deux Ans and must be feared especially if he manages to settle in with the expected rapid pace.
Archie Watson Aesterius made a winning scoring debut at Bath last month and this £380,000 purchase must be taken seriously from Stand 13.
The best of the rest
Tom Marquand dons the royal colors on board Golden water in the King George V Stakes, and will post alongside Poniros And Sweet whipped cream for a truly intriguing Heritage Handicap. Qirat will be a popular runner for Ralph Beckett’s team in the Britannia Stakes, but he will do well to upset Volterra And Air Commander. The King’s Gambit And First look leads the betting for the Hampton Court Stakes at 5:40 p.m., while English oak is imagined a little later at 6:15 p.m.
Watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing from June 18-22.
