The Windsor Castle Stakes looks an tough punting conundrum this year with 28 runners over five furlongs on fast ground. Here’s my shortlist:
Mutawaffer – 10/1
Trained by spring king Charlie Hills and by a notable sire of two-year-olds, Kodiac, this colt bolted up at Goodwood over six furlongs and now drops to five. I’m never too keen on backing Kodiacs on fast ground, and I’m concerned the pace could be across the other side of the track, however connections are making all the right noises. That he stays six furlongs is a positive at a stiff track like Ascot, and he’s got loads of speed to be competitive.
Moonlight Romance – 11/2
The market is generally a good indicator of Wesley Ward’s chances, and Moonlight Romance is favourite here after Shang Shang Shang, who she came second to in America, won earlier in the week. The little evidence of trainer quotes and videos suggest she’s pretty good – remember this is just a Listed race so she doesn’t need to be a world beater.
Van Beethoven – 8/1
Drawn the opposite side of the track to the favourite, and to my eye looked outpaced for much of his last start where he narrowly outstayed a horse that placed third in a Group Two earlier this week. Trained by O’Brien so very likely to progress, and with the Scatt Daddy pedigree full of potential, he’s a very live contender.
Sabre – 11/1
I’m not sure exactly why, but Richard Fahey rates him his best chance of the week, which is uncharacteristically bullish of him and a tip in itself. He was involved in a bunched finish at Sandown on his last start but some of the others involved let the form down earlier in this week.
The verdict:
I’m going to take two from the race, one from each side of the track. I can’t resist MUTAWAFFER‘s claims for Jim Crowley, as he has all the ingredients to be successful with the ground, trip and track. Secondly, I’m taking it on trust that Richard Fahey’s “main hope for the week” SABRE can justify his faith. He’s drawn next to the pacey Moonlight Romance who can set things up for him if he’s good enough.
1pt win Mutawaffer @10/1, 15:40 Royal Ascot, Saturday
1pt win Sabre @11/1, 15:40 Royal Ascot, Saturday