A good day ahead.
Winker ducks the first to go for the Norfolk. I’ve heard very strong reports on Henry the Navigator who is apparently the best of O’Briens by some way. He’s probably the best horse in the race, but he is favourite and O’Brien has seen a number of his leading lights beaten in this race over the years (Rock of Gib, Holy Roman Emperor, Oratorio) so whether he’s value at short odds is unclear. Pencil Hill is apparently fancied and feels like the form horse to me.
In the King’s Stand my Australian connection tells me that Miss Andretti is the best of the invaders – no surprise in that opinion. I like Enticing, who did me a favour last time and could be the next Lochsong.
No bet for me in the St. James’s Palace. I’m told defeat is considered out of the question for George Washington in the Queen Anne – I take that with a pinch of salt but I’ll be backing him. David Pipe has a couple in the Ascot Stakes – either could go well but I prefer Raslan.
My one runner of the day goes in the last – Major Eazy – and I’m really bullish. He needs cover and he needs to come off a fast pace – he should get that here. He should get his ground (although thunderstorms are forecast, which is a worry). Frankie was keen as mustard to take the ride. Brian has been in bad form for a while now, but his horses seem to be coming right. He’s a great price.