Five days of top class flat action, Royal Ascot is upon us as the best the world has to offer congregates at Ascot. With six Group 1 contests and a plethora of other brilliant races, it’s a race meeting that cannot be missed. With so many leading trainers, owners and jockeys, there is value aplenty at the Royal Meeting as many horses sneak under the radar, primed for their big day. We’ve listed five horses below who we feel can massively out-run their odds come race day. Still undecided on who to back? Our Royal Ascot Tips, previews and analysis can all be found on site now!
It was quite the surprise to see Wesley Ward’s 2015 Diamond Jubilee winner entered into a handicap, especially considering he arrives here with a fair level of form. He returned this season when finishing third in Listed company at Belmont Park, dropping into a handicap off a very interesting mark of 103, which seems him exceptionally well treated on all of his best form. Frankie Dettori has the ride which is another plus point and this easier competition may just see him as different gravy.
Although now a nine-year-old, Sheikhzayedroad proved he still had it in him at the top level when chasing home Vazirabad in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March. A course winner who stays this trip strongly, he can be forgiven his latest outing at Sandown as it wasn’t run at a gallop that gave him a chance of closing in. He likely needs further than two miles these days and firmer ground is no problem for him. He faces stiff competition in this race from the up-and-coming Stradavarius and the established Order Of St George, but he’s more than likely to out-run his lofty odds.
Progressing with each run, Landshark won his debut at Leopardstown in August 2017 before finishing second to U S Navy Flag in Group 3 company two weeks later. Upped in trip on his seasonal debut in the Irish 2000 Guineas, he acquitted himself fairly to finish ninth, now dropping into handicaps off what looks a very reasonable mark. He’s completely unexposed at this trip and the Jessie Harrington yard are firing on all cylinders at present, with a strongly run contest likely to suit a horse who comes from the rear. Given how highly he’s been tried thus far, connections must think plenty of him and he looks set to run a big race.
Mark Johnston isn’t adverse to a Royal Ascot winner and this race is one he’s found great success in. He is looking for a record equalling eighth win in this staying contest and the market seems to have completely forgotten about his Lynwood Gold. Both his victories have come on firmer ground, so his latest third on his first attempt of the 1m 6f distance can be upgraded given it came on a softer surface. He remains unexposed at the staying trips and back on a sounder surface, plenty of improvement is expected from this progressive sort.
A rapid improver last season, Flaming Spear was a mightily impressive winner of a competitive York handicap last summer off four pounds lower. He was set two very difficult tasks thereafter, making his seasonal/stable debut for a yard who are amongst the winners. He goes well fresh and given he won his debut on firmer ground, the stiffer surface will be fine. As a horse who can be headstrong, the breakneck gallop will prove ideal and his interesting claims lead us to believe he’ll massively out-run his odds.