Andy Holding's Ante-Post Tips for Royal Ascot 2023

A week away from the world’s biggest and best Flat race meeting, it is probably not a bad time to look at a few of the races with a view to hoovering up some existing value.

That said, unless you are going to beat the book by some considerable margin, it makes sense to sit tight until nearer the day, especially in races where the draw is likely to play a pivotal role (usually on the straight track). There is also the small matter of the conditions on the day to consider, even more so given the slightly patchy weather forecast for next week.

One of the biggest angles is to try and identify races where some of the current ante-post market leaders are likely not to participate and the one that sticks out a country mile at this stage is the Ribblesdale on day three (Thursday).

Considering the close proximity to the race from the Oaks, it is highly unlikely that either Soul Sister or Savethelastdance will be asked to turn out just 20 later and even if one were to chance their arm, it is not in tablets of stone they would be capable of justifying their position in the market. The numbers from the Group 1 at Epsom suggest this year’s renewal was a below par version and they are worth opposing in every sense.

Another who is unlikely to make the gig is Running Lion who, according to recent reports, heads to Chantilly this weekend to contest the French Oaks.

With so many looking towards the Soul Sister form line, it is no great surprise to see Musidora third, Infinite Cosmos, vying for favouritism. However, the preferred option at the prices is to side with the first and second in the listed Haras De Bouquetot Trial Stakes run at Newbury a month ago, namely WARM HEART and BLUESTOCKING.

The former just came out of a titanic dual between the pair by a diminishing head and she looks just the type for whom Ascot will suit, while the latter was having her first run for 233 days and is entitled to improve. Moreover, the backend splits (34.5 and 34.3) make for exceptional reading when compared against the likes of Haskoy (34.9) and Modern Games (35.7) respectively and with the sixth winning since, the form looks solid.

Both saved for the Ribblesdale with a view to going there fresh, the pair are worth playing against the field at their current odds.

The St James’ Palace Stakes is the other race where there are one or two if’s and buts about the several towards the front end of the market and for that reason, the two who make the most appeal at this stage are MOSTABSHIR and ISAAC SHELBY.

The former was disappointing in the Craven at Newmarket on his seasonal bow, but he came roaring back to form when encountering faster ground at York last time out.

Quickening well off the front, John & Thady Gosden’s left for dead several who have since gone on to boost the form and having been handed a subsequent rating of 108, that new mark all but rules out any ideal of connections’ going down the handicap route.

The latter has proven form at Group 1 level courtesy of his excellent effort in the French 2000 Guineas last time out and a repeat of something similar affords Brian Meehan’s colt a little more respect in the market than he is currently receiving. Having run on soft ground twice so far this season, any rain in the Berkshire area nearer the time would be seen to his advantage.

Click in for Architect Tips' Prince of Wales's Stakes & St James's Palace Stakes previews and Stuart Williams' Ascot Gold Cup  & Platinum Jubilee Stakes previews.