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Royal Ascot Day 3

The general feeling across social media and other various outlets is that yesterday was quite a difficult day for the punters at Royal Ascot, the bookmakers going a long way in making up for the suspension of racing!! I dare not tempt faith but today's card looks slightly more friendly despite the guessing game as to how the ground will be at race time. 

In the opening 1m 2f handicap, the chance of Acquitted is quite obvious and certainly hasn't been missed in the market. He was beaten by the St James' Palace-bound Palace Pier who has the potential to be a Group 1 horse. Interestingly, Hugo Palmer felt on that occasion that the horse needed the run and blew up. I felt watching the race that he got done for speed, but either way he traveled extremely well (traded long-odds on in-running) and the step up in trip should suit. I feel the case is actually strengthened by the Novice race he won at Newbury last October which proves his ability to handle testing conditions if that materialises. The second that day went on to run English King close on his next start, the same horse that features at the top of ante-post Derby lists. Mishriff (admittedly unlucky to be beaten 2 and a half lengths) won on his next start and took a listed race at Newmarket on Guineas weekend. Favorite Moon was fourth and he fought out a finish with Celestran and Kipps (second here yesterday). Just for good measure the 5th and 6th, who were beaten a long way, have both won handicaps since the resumption of racing, the latter Jellystone winning off 75 and 81. That is real substance and ensures there is no doubt that Acquitted is well treated off a mark of 93. 

In the Jersey stakes at 2.25, I normally like runners that have some proven Group 1 form, even if they did fall slightly short, preferably at a mile. Celestin certainly fits the bill as his fourth in the French Guineas behind Victor Ludorom only tells half the story. He pulled very hard for the first half of the race, yet was still marginally in front at the furlong pole. It was inevitable that the early exertions would take their toll and they did in the final furlong. The drop in trip is sure to suit and a fast pace will hopefully help him settle a lot better. Again he is proven on softer conditions which takes some of the guesswork out of it.

0.5 pt eway Acquitted (11/2 William Hill, 5/1 Bet365, Betway, Betfred) Ascot 1.15 *use firms paying 5 places, BOG firms

0.5 pt eway Celestin (5/1 Bet365, William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral 9/2 general) Ascot 2.25 *use firms paying 4 places, BOG firms

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