Fairy Godmother looks like the best of the Ballydoyle bunch in the Albany. I saw her in the paddock at Naas and she looked a lovely, big, strong filly. Ever since that day I’ve thought that she’s going to be a player for the remainder as the season wherever she goes, and she obviously turns up here. Mountain Breeze of Godolphin’s looks very good as well, so it’s going to be an interesting clash. But I’m going to stick with Aidan O’Brien’s filly to get us off to a winning start.
The Commonwealth Cup looks like it’s going to be between Inisherin and Elite Status. Inisherin ran a cracker in the Guineas and that form looks to have worked out well, particularly with Rosallion’s win in the St James’s Palace on Tuesday. Elite Status was a smart two-year-old last year and despite meeting with a setback in the autumn, looks to be back to his best now, and he’s the one I’m siding with for Karl Burke.
Opera Singer has been all the rage for the Coronation, and I can see why. She was a very good two-year-old and looks to have trained on judged by her respectable run in the Irish 1000 Guineas. Even though Elmalka was good in the Guineas, I think that Aidan’s filly is the one here and could be about to show a new level of form.
Willie Mullins looks to have another Royal Ascot favourite here with Ethical Diamond, but he’s not the one I fancy. For me, Crystal Black is the one to be on as I think he’s an improver. His draw in four is favourable and I think he could just get the run of the race for Colin Keane, who’s a top-class jockey.
The Sandringham is a race where you want to find a filly who’s on the up and could go on and become a Group class filly in time. Indelible looks like she fits that profile for Ralph Beckett – she’s beautifully bred, out of the exceptional Midday, and I think this might be a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
This looks like a difficult race to find the winner of, but I do like the look of Space Legend for James Doyle. He’s another who’s been purchased for this week by Wathnan Racing, and so far they’ve done well with the horses they’ve bought. William Haggas hasn’t had the best of weeks so far, but I think this horse could turn things around.
18:05 Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes
In the finale I like Oisin Murphy’s ride Jubilee Walk. Oisin is having a fantastic week so far, and when you’re on a roll like he is, you’re almost worth a length compared to the other riders. His mount’s win at York on his last start was really promising and I think he’s the one to be with here.
Best of luck,
Mick