Royal Ascot: Diamond Jubilee Stakes

The Diamond Jubilee over 6 furlongs at 17.20 is the main event on the final day of Royal Ascot, and is, we believe, one of the two races during the week for which the Queen personally presents the trophies. It is a truly international affair, with 5 Irish runners, 2 Australian and one American as well as the top British performers over this distance. The Aussies in particular have a good record here and their riunners Brazen Beau /Chris Waller/ Craig Williams) and Wandjina (Gai Waterhouse/ Damien Oliver) both looking dangerous, especially the former, whose form looks very strong.

However we expect another Irish victory. Aidan O´Brien and Ryan Moore are already assured of being this week´s champions and their runner Due Diligence is an obvious contender; he was runner-up here last year, with several of these behind. But we also like Mustajeeb (Dermot Weld/ Pat Smullen), who won over 7 furlongs at the meeting last year but is better at this trip; some rain (as is forecast) would probably help. A British win Looks unliely, but Tropöics (Dean Ivory/ Robert EWinston) should go well; he won oin good style at Windsor but was well beaten here a year ago. Pearl Secret (David Barron/ Andrea Atzeni) ran on well when a close 4th here in the King´s Stand on Tuesday, but this extra furlong could be his undoing. However we think it will be the Australians against the Irish in the final furlong, with advantage to the Emerald isle.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Ballydoyle - Tonkinese - Cymric
2. Race: Mahsoob - Provenance - First Flight
3. Race: Telescope - Eagle Top - Postponed
4. Race: Brazen Beau - Mustajeeb - Due Diligence
5. Race: Huntsmans Close - Intrinsic - Gamesome
6. Race: Wicklow Brave - Marzocco - Rawaki