Pick of the Pundits – The best bets from today’s press
Published:It’s not a surprise to see racing’s best hacks focus on Royal Ascot today and it makes for interesting reading.
Just six of the 50 tipsters in the Racing Post naps competition have focused elsewhere as Royal Ascot dominates the horse racing coverage today.
The York Press naps Risky Art in the 2.15 at Thirsk while the Racing Post naps Red Cape in the 5.50 at Thirsk.
The Belfast Newsletter naps Call To Arms in the 6.45 at Newton Abbot, The Mail On Sunday naps Highlife Dancer in the 7.30 at Brighton, the Guardian naps Fault in the 8.00 at Brighton and the Daily Star Sunday naps Highland Harvest in the 8.30 at Brighton.
But the really interesting nap of the day is Goldikova in the Queen Anne Stakes today.
2.30 Royal Ascot: Goldikova – 13/8
This is one incredible race to open up the Royal Ascot meeting and the battle between reigning champion Goldikova and Canford Cliffs is sure to be a spectacle.
Canford Cliffs is the slight favourite at 11/8 but Goldikova has been napped five times today, suggesting all the money will come throughout the day for the 13/8 second favourite.
The trends are against Goldikova but this is one special mare and there is little doubt she possesses quality in abundance.
Verdict: Put Goldikova and Canford Cliffs in a reverse forecast
5.00 Royal Ascot: Zigato – 9/2
The most napped horse of the day is John Gosden’s Zigato with six naps and the four-year-old gelding was a winner over two miles at Ascot last month.
Half-brother to Sariska, the pedigree may have something to do with the popularity, but there should be room for improvement in this horse and he has a good chance.
However this is a race dominated by National Hunt-trained horses and Zigato will have to defy the trends if he is to land the Ascot Stakes.
Verdict: Take on Zigato with Veiled at 11/2.
