THIS year’s King’s Stand Stakes features a tasty rematch between the first three home in last year’s renewal, but who will our top tipsters be backing?
With tips from our very own Templegate, Matt Chapman and the latest race trends, we’ve got the all-important views on each race right here.
Templegate – Mabs Cross
MABS CROSS is way over-priced to land Royal Ascot’s top 5f prize. She proved herself well up to the top level last year and Michael Dods’ flying filly has been better than ever this term.
Last year’s running of this race – when she was third behind Blue Point and Battaash – gives her a little ground to make up but I’m sure she’s improved since then.
Matt Chapman – Battaash
I have no doubt in my mind BATTAASH is the best horse in the field and if he brings his A game he’s going to take all the beating. He came back with a fabulous win at Haydock and while he’s not always consistent at York, he ran well here last year when getting worked up. I’m hoping the Charlie Hills runner has calmed down now.
Wizard of Odds – Blue Point
Battaash is probably the most talented horse in the King’s Stand Stakes (3.40) but he’s not delivered on his previous trips to the Royal meeting.
It wasn’t a bad effort to finish second in this 12 months ago but BLUE POINT can get the better of him again to retain the crown.
Trends – Blue Point
The trends leave us with three still standing — Battaash, Blue Point and Imprimis — can tick most of the other trends boxes.
They have all won over this trip and hit the target already this season. The latter comes from America but that’s not a negative as there have been three winners from outside Europe in the past decade.
So you can make a case for all three but BLUE POINT won this race 12 months ago ahead of Battaash who has never shown his best form at Ascot.
