6f Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1)
Dream Of Dreams is a worthy favourite for the Diamond Jubilee, but he has bombed out on soft ground over this course before and it’s he never always does waht you want him to do in these big Group 1 sprints.
I am prepared to take him on with two challengers in this and I can’t split the chances of NAHAARR and GLEN SHIEL. The former put in a career-best performance last time out when pushing non-runner and ante-post favourite for this Starman right to the limit in the Duke Of York coming away from a decent field that included the Kings Stand winner Oxted well behind.
Nahaarr is unraced on worse than good-soft but there is a suspicion that this type of ground could bring out the best in him as he has looked a little outpaced at times when the going has been too quick. With a record of 5/10 on turf, this improving sprinter took the step-up to Group 2 in his stride and should not look out of his depth on his first attempt at Group 1. He should be finishing strongly and is the one in this that could improve the most on current ratings.
The other selection, Glen Shiel, is a differetn profile as he has got proven Group 1 winning form over this course and on this type of ground. There should be plenty of support for Hollie Doyle’s mount as he won the Champions Sprint beating a number of today’s rival in similar conditions last October. It feels like he has been a little bit underestimated in the market at 7/1 off the back of a respectable pipe-opener in Ireland as he should come on significantly for the run. Glen Shiel is a horse that has gotten quicker and better with experience and so you would be disappointed if he isn’t asking a question at the finish.
Whilst I would generally just take one to win in this race, I really can’t split the credentials of these two and want them both onside in the Group 1 sprint.
1pt win Nahaarr @5/1, 16:20 Saturday, Royal Ascot
1pt win Glen Shiel @7/1, 16:20 Saturday, Royal Ascot