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Tanya's Blog - Friday 21st June 2013
How does racing beat that day?
What a day. Can that ever be bettered? It was a real, “where were you” moment and I’m lucky enough to be able to say, “just in front of the Royal Box”, close enough to see the excitement from those inside and jubilation amongst nearly 62,000 attending.
The atmosphere at Royal Ascot was astounding. It was unforgettable, bringing a tear of overwhelming emotion to one’s eye. As Estimate crossed the line in front in the Gold Cup, and I’m convinced it was the roar of the crowd that carried her across the line, the whole crowd turned to the Royal Box cheering and clapping in celebration for The Queen.
Then on the big screens round the track they played out a recording of Her Majesty’s and John Warren, her racing advisor’s reaction to how the final furlong unfolded. Once again the crowd cheered and applauded The Queen.
It was then an enthusiastic scramble to take up all the vantage places round the paddock to be part of one of the loudest receptions ever for a winner, while the remainder of us could only marvel and enjoy the aftermath.
The day also had the poignancy of a winner for Lady Cecil, in Riposte, greeted with many sympathetic and reflective cheers. And there are still two more days!
There is the great rematch in the Coronation Stakes between Just The Judge now an Irish 1,000 Guineas winner, and her conqueress in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, Sky Lantern. I fancy Sky Lantern’s stable companion, Maureen, to run a big race. She likes Ascot and her tactical speed, plus a chance to get good cover, can work to her advantage.
On a day when Sir Henry Cecil has a race named in his memory, Lady Cecil can have a winner in the Albany Stakes with Joyeuse, who really impressed me and many others at Lingfield on her only run to date.
Then my final selection is a real old friend in Mont Ras. His last run and win at Haydock was boosted by the victory of the third, Sam Sharp on Saturday. David O’Meara has two in the race and the booking of Joseph O’Brien is a positive.
Roll on day four! Once more on to the breach, and Brian Gleeson is doing the honours on The Morning Line to give me a rest ahead of the afternoon’s entertainment.
Friday's tips:
2.30 Royal Ascot: Joyeuse at 7-2 with Paddy Power
3.45 Royal Ascot: Maureen at 14-1 with Paddy Power
5.35 Royal Ascot Mont Ras at 25-1 with bet365 and Bet Victor
Tanya's Pointers:
The last ten Ascot winners have run not more than twice prior to winning
Nine of the last ten winners finished no worse than third last time out
Nine of the last ten winners had finished no worse than third in their career
The last seven winners were drawn either 11, 12, 13 or 14
Eight of the last ten came from the first six in the betting
Irish challengers have only ever won the race once
Ten of the last 20 favourites have won
In the last 30 years there has only been one Irish winner
Aidan O’Brien’s last seven runners have been beaten including two favourites
Nine of the last 11 winners had run in at least Listed class
Ten of the last 11 winners had run over at least ten furlongs
Nine of the last 11 winners had finished in the first three on their most recent run
Only one of the last 11 winners had run in the Derby at Epsom
Nine of the last ten winners came from the first four in the betting
Nine of the last 11 winners had managed to finish at least sixth in either the English, Irish or French 1,000 Guineas
Eight of the last ten winners had run no more than twice in the current campaign
Nine of the last 11 had run no more than twice as a three-year-olds
Eight of the last ten winners were aged four
Nine of the last ten winners finished no better than third on their most recent start
Nine of the last ten winners were drawn eight or lower
Eight of the last 11 winners came from the first six in the betting
Five of the last six winner won at either Goodwood or York on their most recent start
Seven of the last ten winners hadn’t even won in their current campaign
Five of the last ten winners were trained by Mark Johnston
The last ten winners came from the first four in the betting
Nine of the last ten winners finished no worse than third on their most recent start
Eight of the last ten winners had run over at least 12 furlongs
No winning favourite since it was first run in 2002
No Irish winner since it was first run in 2002
All of the last ten winners had finished no better than second on their most recent start
