QE II day at Ascot

Ascot today stages one of the best cards of the whole season, on a day which will be forever remembered for Frankie Dettori´s exploits in 1996, when he won all 7 races. He had rides booked in all 7 races, but one of them is now a non-runner (Shalaal at 16.40) so he cannot repeat this feat; however he can certainly score a couple of times, and we fancy that he can take the main event, the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over a mile at 17.15 CET on Godolphin´s Delegator and beat his main rival, and likely odds-on favourite, Rip van Winkle (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh). Unfortunately the field has cut up badly, and there are only 4 runners, but the clash between Godolphin and the Irish Coolmore empire gives the race some added spice. With such a small field, it will be a tactical affair, and Murtagh will most likely make the running on Rip van Winkle, who is clear top on ratings here and was an impressive winner of the Sussex Stakes last time. Delegator´s best form was his second place in the 2,000 Guineas, but he was also an easy Goodwood winner last time and it is not impossible that he can beat the Irish raider for speed in the final furlong. The two other runners are also proven Group One performers, indeed Aqlaam (William Haggas/Richard Hills), winner of the Moulin last time, has a serious chance of turning over the two favourites, while Zacinto (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) also has excellent form to his credit. However with the Godolphin stable now in top form, we hope to see Delegator triumph.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Applause - Annabelle`S Charm - Aspectoflove
2. Race: Frozen Power - Mikhail Glinka - Vale Of York
3. Race: Long Lashes - You`Ll Be Mine - Hibaayeb
4. Race: Marching Time - Redford - Swift Gift
5. Race: Rip Van Winkle - Delegator - Aqlaam
6. Race: Tropical Paradise - Glowing - Please Sing
7. Race: Sweetheart - Relative Strength - Woolfall Treasure