Royal Ascot 2008

It does not seem a year ago I was reminiscing on my Royal Ascot 2007 blog of past visits to the Ascot course. This year I will be an armchair viewer with five races each day on the BBC. My interest will revolve around entries I have made on the Totetentofollow competetion. I am already loosing ground on the leaders, but hopeful of picking up some points this week. On Tuesday Henrythenavigator and Ravens Pass are due to run in St James’s Palace Stakes. Ravens Pass did not appear to stay the mile in the 2000 Guineas, but obviously connections think it is worth another try at that distance. He could be the eachway value although Henrythenavigator (pictured beating New Approach) should win.

On Wednesday Duke of Marmalade is fancied to win the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Thursday is Ascot Gold Cup Day and my hope here is Septimus if he runs. He is also engaged in the Hardwicke Stakes over one and a half miles on Saturday. Also on Thursday we have the Ribblesdale Stakes where we are still waiting to see if Lush Lashes runs. The runners and riders towards the end of the week are a bit sketchy. A lot depends on the state of the ground for some of them.

On Friday Nahoodh, who has changed ownership and stables, will reappear in the Coronation Stakes with Frankie Dettori on board.

Saturday’s big race will be the Golden Jubilee Stakes and here I hope Sakhee’s Secret will sprint home. Have a good week and be lucky.