Eclipse

I haven't finished with this race yet but with the doubts about Sea The Stars running in the Irish Derby last week I decided to risk a small amount on him @ 4/1 for the Eclipse. Thing's have worked out well and he heads to Sandown on Saturday as a strong favourite. I have topped up the bet and will do so again. I'm hoping to get a decent amount on him and that i'll end up with 13/8 about an odds on shot. I intend to cover the best with a little on Rip Van Winkle, the only possible danger imo.

Wokingham

One of the most important punting books I read back in the day was the Stewart Simpson entitled Always Back Winners. It influenced my thinking hugely, particulary in the way he selected his hanicappers. His method was to follow a horse who had gone into the lead inside the final furlong and won by at least a length. Today, in the big handicap on the last day of the Royal meeting we have the Haggas trained High Standing who in his last race at Goodwood over the same distance was eased towards the finish and won by a length and a quarter - after only taking the lead entering the final furlong.
After a few more than normal non-runners this year I resolved after Overdose got injured in preparing for the Kings Stand not to bother with the ante-post markets at Ascot. This means my bet on High Standing has been placed today - unfortunately after Pricewise affected the price.

High Standing £50win @ 6/1

Royal Ascot Day 2

Another bad day yesterday. This is the worst start i've ever had to a season but i'll keep plugging away.
The Prince of Wales Stakes has a nice punting shape to it as I think the favourite, Tartan Bearer is quite opposable. I think he's a 12f animal and the short straight at Ascot coupled with the 10f distance will see him struggle. I think it's debatable that he's better than Vision D'Etat in any event. The latter is also the only Group 1 scorer over a mile and a quarter in the line-up and at 7/2 he's a sporting wager. I also think Tazeez is way over priced at 20s.
Lush Lashes will take all the beating in the Windsor Forest.

Vision D'Etat £40win @ 7/2
Tazeez £20EW @ 20/1
Lush Lashes £40win @ 7/4

Queen Anne

Not a very good start to the season, Epsom being expensive in particular. I do expect to get my money back on Fame and Glory though.

Anyway, onto the Royal meeting. I have a strong fancy for Gladiatorius in the opener. He looked a special animal when bolting up from some good opposition in Dubai and I think the general 5/2 available for the Queen Anne is a steal. Yes, the tracks in Berkshire and Dubai are different and yes the Godolphin camp don't inspire much confidence these days. But, the field he races against here is sub Group 1 standard. You have Paco Boy who I doubt stays a stiff mile in top company and this Main Aim animal from Stoute's who was impressive in a really crappy Group 3.

Gladiatorius - £100w @ 5/2

The Derby

Still very, very sweet on Fame and Glory and ultimately I kind of think my fate this flat season rests on him. I have nearly £300 staked on O'Brien's colt, my biggest bet on one horse since Finsceal Beo in the 2007 1000 Guineas. I think people are reading way too much into Mr Murtagh's decision to partner Rip Van Winkle (if it is indeed his decision) and like New Approach last year I believe Fame and Glory should be a strong favourite. His win in the Derrinstown was more impressive than Galileo's and his drift in recent days has seen me put probably too much on. But sometimes you just have to go for it. Gan Amhras is my support bet in the race. Crowded House was backed during the winter.

Fame and Glory £280w @ 4/1
Gan Amhras £50w @ 95/10
Crowded House £30w@ 10/1

The Oaks

I've already posted my thoughts on Rainbow View and although it hasn't rained as I hoped it might the ground should be ok and I make her a solid bet.

£100w @ 46/10