The Intelligent Punter's Guide to Royal Ascot 2022

THE INTELLIGENT PUNTER’S GUIDE TO ROYAL ASCOT 2022 Neil Clark DAY TWO: TUESDAY 2.30 The unbeaten BAAEED is a very short odds-on favourite but is very hard to oppose after his romp in the Lockinge last time. 3.05 Aidan O’Brien is the go-to man in the Coventry with nine wins and the unbeaten BLACKBEARD looks to have a strong chance of adding to his tally. PERSIAN FORCE looks like the main danger. 3.40 An electrifying renewal of the King’s Stand with Aussie raider NATURE STRIP narrowly preferred to American speed ace GOLDEN PAL on the basis that the course and trip may suit him better. There are plenty of decent sprinters available at big prices for each-way alternatives to the market leaders including Czech raider PONNTOS, a winner last time at Longchamp, and EQUILATERAL, who might be overpriced at 66-1 considering he was second in the race two years ago and goes well fresh. 4.20. 2000 Guineas winner COROBEUS is a worthy favourite and should win barring accidents. NEW ENERGY is a big price (40-1) but was a fast-finishing close second behind Native Trail in the Irish 2000 Guineas last time so could be worth an each-way investment. 5.00 Favourite BRING ON THE NIGHT, ridden by Ryan Moore, looks like the one they all have to beat, given trainer Willie Mullins’ good record in the race, but there are plenty in with each-way shouts including last year’s winner RESHOUN, who looks good value at around 12-1. Trainer Ian Williams is in fine form (had a 33-1 winner at York on Saturday), won the race in both 2019 and 2021, and his charge is able to race off the same mark as when successful 12 months ago. 5.35 John Gosden has had a great record in the Wolferton down the years so his runner HARROVIAN, currently available at 12-1 could represent some decent value. All of Frankie Dettori’s mount‘s career wins have come on good-to-firm which is what the going will be at Royal Ascot today. 6.10 OKITA SOUSHI has attracted market support, backed in from 12s to 7-1 so Joseph O’Brien’s runner could be the answer to the Day One finale. Good luck with your punting!