TwinSpires.com Blog

PT Fornatale’s Twinspires.com Royal Ascot Preview (SATURDAY)

Yesterday's near sweep assures that we'll finish the week in the black, but let's try to pad a little. . .in fact, the best opportunity of the week might just be on Closing Day. . .

Hardwicke Stakes (10:05 a.m.)

Video here. Call me a chalk-sucking weasel if you will, but after the race I might just be a chalk-sucking weasel headed to the bar to buy a round. The tip is #2 AWAIT THE DAWN, who is a standout on form and figs, acts on soft, and projects to like Ascot. I think he's the real deal and for more info, check the vid.

Golden Jubilee Stakes (10:45 a.m.)

I'm feeling #15 BEWITCHED. I make the case here, but one thing I should have mentioned on there that I didn't is that I think value will be created by the presence of STAR WITNESS, who ran well opening day with a slow last furlong through a perfect set up (according to Rob Dove's indispensible sectional times) on very different ground. If he beats me, he beats me. UK punters, you know what to do. Here in the USA, I'll stick with backing Bewitched

Wokingham Stakes (11:25 a.m.)

#20 DEACON BLUES looks good on figures, loves the soft ground and the race should set up nicely for him. He's a legit tip but it's certainly true that half the joy in picking him was that I can link to this:



Duke of Edinburgh (12:00 p.m.)

Funny enough, the last bet of the week is one of the strongest opinions. #4 MODUN was extemely impressive last time. According to the Dove figures, he was held up off a slow pace there but showed an amazing, sustained burst in the straight to win easily. The form of that race has worked out well, Sir Michael Stoute is a master at bringing these along slowly and Dove and I think MODUN will take this before going on to be a Group 1 horse along the lines of the great Pilsudski (same owner/trainer).