SILVESTRE DE SOUSA: Royal Ascot Thursday

The temperatures are set to get hotter over the next few days and its great that the sun is shining on Ladies Day. Ascot always produce lovely safe ground though and are watering each night. They also take great care of the horses too and there are water spraying areas to cool our mounts down after each race. I’ve got three nice rides to look forward to which I’ve also discussed in a new ZOOM ROOM with Bill and Johnny – CLICK HERE TO WATCH THAT

THURSDAY

ROYAL ASCOT

CRISPY CAT 2.30pm (Norfolk Stakes)

I’m thrilled to be riding plenty of nice horses for Amo Racing this week and I sit on another nice one in the Norfolk Stakes. Crispy Cat comes over from Ireland having just been touched off in the National Stakes at Sandown. He had previously finished second to Blackbeard who was a good fourth in Tuesday’s Coventry Stakes. Obviously, it won’t be easy beating another smart Irish raider in The Antartic. Then, there’s Walbank who I won on last time at York. That may not have been the best of races, but he’s a lovely colt and may just be the one to beat.

3.40pm (Ribblesdale Stakes)

No ride for me in the Ribblesdale where there is a surprisingly small field. It’s a shame there is no Emily Upjohn and only six fillies have been declared. William Haggas’ Sea Silk Road has looked a really nice filly in two starts this season and she should be hard to catch.

4.20pm (Gold Cup)

The big race of the day sees the superstar Stradivarius (pictured below) taking on the new kid on the staying block Kyprios. I see that Trueshan has been declared but I’d be surprised if he runs looking at the weather forecast. It should be a proper race and I think the old boy Stradivarius can rewrite the record books and win another big one.

GREAT MAX 5.00pm (Britannia Stakes)

Another one for me for Amo Racing and Michael O’Callaghan. Great Max won well on his debut at Newbury last year and also ran well when third at this meeting to Point Lonsdale in the Chesham on what was only his second ever start. He’s lost his way a little since and has moved from Michael Bell’s Newmarket yard over to Ireland. He may need a bit more help form the handicapper in time and I’m not sure whether a low draw is good or bad at this stage. William’s (Buick) horse King Of Time looks very smart as does recent Haydock winner Whoputfiftyinyou.

5.35pm (Hampton Court Stakes)

No ride for me in the six runner Hampton Court Stakes which looks a real opportunity for a Royal winner. Reach For The Moon looks a cut above these and it will be a surprise if he doesn’t win.

SNAZZY JAZZY 6.10pm (Buckingham Palace Stakes)

My third and final ride of the day is Snazzy Jazzy (pictured below, centre) who comes here in good form having won at Hamilton earlier this month. He’s 3lbs higher here and I’m looking forward to riding him for the first time. Whether he’s good enough to land a pot like this remains to be seen. Montassib won really well last time and looks the most likely winner.

Good Luck
SDS

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