Frederick Engels is a first day Royal Ascot 'special' in the listed, £50,000 Windsor Castle Stakes over five furlongs. Unfortunately, Robert Winston will be unable to enjoy it. He's been 'jocked off' in favour of Johnny Murtagh! That's the prerogative of 'new' owners Pearl Bloodstock having purchased this Iceman colt following an impressive six lengths triumph down the Musselburgh straight nine days ago under Winston, battling to resurrect his one-time burgeoning career following a twelve months ban, when found guilty by association! In this game, it's necessary to pick your 'friends' wisely and yet, association smacks of cynicism. Less said the better, I've learned, finally! There's nothing Newark-based trainer, David Brown can do about the jockey preference. He'll just be happy to be 'living the dream' with Frederick Engels, which the former owners picked up for a relative pittance in a private sale. Now they are rich, great pin-hooking, eh?
It might seem a bit soon but 'Fred' stormed clear, enjoying every second of his third outing and on my time-handicap, rates an extremely serious betting proposition. Get on (again!) and let your bookie feel the wrath of his customers. What about the draw? with so much in hand Frederick Engels should be able to win drawn in the car park. It's a matter of indifference! This wonderful five-days bonanza kicks off with Canford Cliffs trying to achieve what former stable-companion, Paco Boy, couldn't manage, beat Goldikova in the opening group one, £250,000 Queen Anne Stakes down the straight mile. Last year, Paco Boy 'flew' in the closing stages but was unable to get by the imperious 'serial' grade one-winning French-trained mare, successful at Longchamp 'first-up' last month. Goldikova is now six. That's 'getting on' for a mare at the highest level and I'll take her on with Canford Cliffs, arguably the best miler on this planet, according to my time-handicap.
What a starter and then the main course, just over an hour later, when Frankel attempts to extend his fabulous unbeaten run to seven in the group one, £250,000 St James's Palace Stakes over the round mile. Unbeatable? Judged on his sensational, 2000 Guineas romp, the answer is obviously 'yes' but there are three places on offer and ground conditions will be much softer than most anticipated. This brings into play Dream Ahead, rated similarly to Frankel as a two-year-old and ready to roll, according to patient trainer, David Simcock. Wootton Bassett can't be discounted, he was badly drawn and ridden completely wrong in the French 2000 Guineas. It seems to have affected Paul Hanagan who needs to get back on track big-time with Ryan Moore closing on his lead in the jockeys' championship, rapidly!
Enjoy what promises to be a fantastic first day which includes Overdose, one of 19 declarations for the group one, £300,000 King's Stand Stakes over five furlongs; his ground preference, soft!
SELECTIONS
RACE 3 (#1) CANFORD CLIFFS
RACE 5 (#8) OVERDOSE (e.w.)
RACE 7 (#1) DREAM AHEAD (e.w)
RACE 13 (#9) FREDERICK ENGELS (nap)