Barry Hill's Royal Ascot Tips - Day 2
The biggest winners on Day 1 of Royal Ascot were the bookies. Barry Hill looks to fight back on Day 2 with a full card of racing tips.
With the Euro 24 results yesterday and results on Day 1 at Ascot the bookies had a field day. So today Im going for some decent priced winners for you to gain revenge. My biggest fancy outside my NAP is ALFLAILA. The Aidan O’Brien-trained runners controlled the pace in the 10-furlong test, favouring the front-runners, including Auguste Rodin, and disadvantaging those coming from behind. Alflaila, who was positioned towards the rear due to a slow start, finished strongly, demonstrating his ability to compete at the top level. This performance was no fluke, as he had previously won the Group 2 York Stakes and will surely be there or there about at odds of 17/2. Good Luck!
2:30 Ascot
Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies)
TRULY ENCHANTING - 7/1
In a competitive field where many contenders have a strong case, my tentative vote goes to TRULY ENCHANTING. Demonstrating her potential, she managed to secure a win despite showing signs of inexperience in her debut at Tipperary last month. With the expectation of improved performance on better ground, a strong effort is anticipated from the in-form Aidan O'Brien team. The American entrant, Ultima Grace, impressed with her debut win over an extended 4f at Keeneland in April, setting a fast pace before pulling ahead towards the finish. She is highly regarded, coming from a trainer who has won this race four times. Additionally, the impressive debut winners Make Haste and Spherical are worthy of consideration in what promises to be an insightful contest.
3:05 Ascot
HIGHBURY - 11/4 (NAP)
With four of the last nine winners trained by Aidan O'Brien and favourites triumphing in both 2022 and 2023, there is much to favour the chances of HIGHBURY, who leads the early markets. Third on his debut, he displayed the benefit of that experience by dominating a Leopardstown maiden, winning by over seven lengths and showcasing a notable turn of foot when required. The son of Galileo might overturn his debut form against the unbeaten Birdman here, though this is not certain, and Jessica Harrington's Free Eagle gelding remains a formidable opponent who should not be overlooked. Mina Rashid is an outsider worth considering, having finished strongly to win his maiden at Chester and showing potential for further improvement as a stayer.
3:45 Ascot
Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares)
ROGUE MILLENNIUM - 11/4
ROGUE MILLENNIUM is tipped to successfully defend her title. The daughter of Dubawi, previously trained by Tom Clover, triumphed over Random Harvest by a neck in the Group 2 race last year and subsequently finished second in the prestigious Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September. Sold at auction in December for 1,650,000 guineas, she then moved across the Irish Sea to join Joseph O’Brien’s yard.
The five-year-old made her debut for her new stable in the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes on the undercard of the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh. Despite high expectations as the even-money favourite, Rogue Millennium, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, encountered repeated traffic issues through the penultimate furlong. However, once clear, she finished strongly to claim third behind Ocean Jewel. With a bit of racing luck, she stands as a significant contender.
4:25 Ascot
Prince Of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)
ALFLAILA - 17/2 (E/W)
ALFLAILA is well worth each-way support, if not more. Owen Burrows' son of Dark Angel needs to reverse the form from the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last September to win. In that race, Auguste Rodin finished first, with Alflaila just over three lengths behind in fifth. However, this result doesn't tell the full story.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained runners controlled the pace in the 10-furlong test, favouring the front-runners, including Auguste Rodin, and disadvantaging those coming from behind. Alflaila, placed towards the rear due to a slow start, finished strongly, showing the capability of competing at the top level. This performance was no fluke, as he had previously won the Group 2 York Stakes.
Alflaila’s good record when fresh suggests that the 284-day break since Leopardstown won't hinder his performance. His connections have ambitious plans, choosing this race over Tuesday’s Listed Wolferton Stakes. Auguste Rodin remains the one to beat on his best form, despite not reaching his peak in two outings in 2024.
5:05 Ascot
Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap)
BESHTANI - 11/1
Wathnan Racing appears to have a strong hand in this contest, with James Doyle seemingly favouring BESHTANI over Real Gain. Having demonstrated smart form in France, Beshtani made an excellent UK debut by finishing second to a subsequent winner over an extended mile at Epsom last month. The handicapper has left his mark unchanged, and this four-year-old son of Siyouni has a good chance to make amends for that near miss.
Wild Tiger impressed with a ready victory over 7f in a Goodwood handicap recently and deserves respect despite a 6lb rise. Aerion Power, last year's fourth, looks set for another strong performance despite carrying a 5lb penalty for his recent win at Nottingham. Additionally, a truly-run race with a stiff finish could benefit Dutch Decoy, who might secure a spot on the podium.
5:40 Ascot
Kensington Palace Stakes (Fillies' Handicap)
TWIRLING - 10/1
TWIRLING has the profile of a lightly raced, progressive filly and should give a good account of herself. Unraced as a juvenile, the daughter of Churchill, trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, won twice at Kempton Park from four outings, all on Polytrack, as a three-year-old last season.
Things didn’t go her way in the Winter Oaks at Lingfield Park in January, but she showed plenty of promise with a third-place finish on her turf debut at Nottingham two starts ago. Twirling then improved further, winning over today’s one-mile trip at Doncaster at the end of last month, finishing strongly to hold off Roarin’ Success by half a length.
She faces a 5lb rise in the handicap here, but Twirling has more to offer as she steps out onto the natural surface for only the third time, and the booking of Ryan Moore is an obvious plus. Dangers abound, with Elim, Doha, Mystic Pearl, and Rajindri all having podium claims.
6:15 Ascot
Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race)
SHADOW ARMY - 5/1
Wathnan Racing might have another promising prospect with SHADOW ARMY, who showed impressive form by defeating subsequent Listed winner Francisco's Piece at York on his debut. Richard Fahey's yard has been in excellent form recently, and Shadow Army could well continue this trend. However, Aidan O'Brien, well-versed in winning this contest, presents formidable competition with his pair, Treasure Isle and Celtic Chieftain.
Pont Neuf, who made it two wins from two when triumphing at Salisbury last month, also appears capable of performing well at this higher level. The American challenge is strong, with contenders like Gabaldon and Honorary American in the mix. Gabaldon, who made a successful debut at Gulfstream last month, stands out as the pick of the American entries.