Testing Ground at Royal Ascot to suit the Irish Irish-trained horses could come into their own on the final day of Royal meeting at Ascot today. The Aidan O’Brien trained Point Lonsdale can get favourite backers of to a flier in the Chesham Stakes at 14:30. The son of Australia was most impressive on debut at the Curragh at the beginning of the month when running away with a maiden over this seven furlongs distance and while his odds of 5/4 with 888Sport won’t make anyone rich he is impossible to oppose. O’Brien has strong claims in the following race, The Jersey Stakes at 15:05, with Khartoum. This American-bred colt has shown a real aptitude for soft ground, comfortably winning both starts when the ground was testing. The mount of Ryan Moore is 8/1 with 888Sport to give Ballydoyle a first victory in the race since 2013. Broome, also representing Ballydoyle, has leading claims in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at 15:40. The 5-y-o has already won three races this season and the prevailing going conditions won’t pose any problems. O’Brien also saddles the useful pair Japan and Mogul in this mile and a half contest and it will be no surprise to see one or more of the trio make the frame. Paddy Twomey’s Moyglare-owned Sonaiyla 12/1 888Sport is the sole Irish-trained runner in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at 16:20. She is ground-versatile and comes here off the back of a victory at the Curragh earlier this month but in truth she is up against it. Preference is for Michael Stoute’s Dream Of Dreams which was only beaten a head in this race last year and should be hard to stop at odds of 100/30. Only one favourite has won the Wokingham Handicap 17:00 in the last ten years so it may pay to look at some outsiders for a bit of value. Proven soft ground performers Air Raid and topweight Snazzy Jazzy are each priced at 40/1 with 888Sport who are going 1/5 the odds 5 places. A small play on each may pay dividends. Jessica Harrington saddles the only Irish-trained runner in the big sprint, Indigo Balance. He is a tricky customer and was well-beaten on his previous visit to Ascot as a 2-y-o. The performance of Khartoum in the Jersey Stakes will be a pointer to the chances of Joseph O’Brien’s Visualisation 9/1 888Sport in the Golden Gates Handicap at 17:35. This colt was runner-up to Khartoum at Naas last month before landing a heavy ground handicap at the Curragh on Guineas weekend and as he is out of a Saddler’s Well mare he should appreciate this step up in distance. The Willie Mullins/Ryan Moore combination are a force to be reckoned with in staying races at Royal Ascot and their Stratum 9/2 888Sport heads a strong Irish challenge in the concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes at 18:10. Stratum has run well at this meeting in the past and should stay this marathon trip of two miles and five and half furlongs. Dermot Weld’s Chester Cup winner Falcon Flight is another strong contender. New Customers of 888Sport can claim €30 in free bets and €10 Casino Bonus when they place their first bet of €10 or more. Min deposit of €10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least €10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expires after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time • Withdrawal restrictions &; full T&;Cs apply. 18 gamblingcare.ie
