The Placepot on Thursday at Royal Ascot will see players have to sift through 126 runners across seven races. Nevertheless, Joe Napier tries to guide you in the right direction with his selections for the Tote Placepot on day three of Royal Ascot 2024.
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Leg 1: 2.30pm
Leg 1 Selections: (1) Aesterius, (8) Moving Force
Whistlejacket looked impressive last time out, but with conditions much different here, and this race having produced, 14/1, 50/1 and 150/1 winners in succession over the last three seasons, it is worth looking elsewhere, certainly for Placepot purposes.
The number one pick is AESTERIUS, whose Bath form looks fairly strong, with the sixth having come out and won since, and plenty of those in behind having run well before or after they trailed him home. Wathnan Racing hit the crossbar with a few of their runners on Tuesday, while MOVING FORCE represents Richard Fahey, responsible for the 14/1 and 50/1 winners and a 66/1 runner-up last season. He is 7lb better off with Shareholder despite being five times the price for a short head defeat here and is the choice of Oisin Orr over stablemate Loom.
Leg 2: 3.05pm
Leg 2 Selections: (6) Gilded Water, (10) Kamboo
This was won last year by a William Haggas-trained entrance in the royal colours, and GILDED WATER could well secure back-to-back victories for the same connections. He has stepped forward with every start since making his debut only in April, and flew home by 7½ lengths at Chepstow, looking better the further he went. 1m4f poses few fears and he trades at a nice price currently.
However, with 19 runners represented, one other appeals in the shape of KAMBOO. He was outclassed in the Derby, but the mere fact his trainer ran him in that contest after such a long lay-off, never having run beyond 1m or on turf before, is a very positive reflection of how they view his ability. While never in the race, he beat five home at Epsom and his mark is workable if they think he is Group class.
Leg 3: 3.45pm
Leg 3 Selections: (2) Diamond Rain
The Oaks fourth, seventh and ninth all run here, with plenty of other trial contenders in attendance as well. One of those winners who skipped Epsom was DIAMOND RAIN, and though there are a few nerves about backing a Charlie Appleby/Godolphin favourite after Notable Speech’s disappointment on Tuesday, she looks the most likely winner on form. Her win at Newbury looks solid form on which she comfortably holds Siyola and she was not stopping over 1m2f, so this distance may spark an even better display.
Leg 4: 4.25pm
Leg 4 Selections: (10) Caius Chorister
Kyprios was a battling winner of this two years ago when he was undoubtedly the best stayer in Europe. However, he has barely blown away far inferior rivals in two starts this term and while he will be primed for this, he is opposable at skinny odds.
The puzzle is finding the most viable alternative. Gregory and Vauban could improve a lot for stepping up to 2m4f, but as may CAIUS CHORISTER, whose form this term possibly surpasses that aforementioned pair. Twice she has been beaten just a head in Group 3 company over 2m, by Coltrane and Sweet William who both run here, but she gets 3lb this time where she has not before. The ground is not an issue and she could outstay them all with the extra half mile possibly of benefit here.
Leg 5: 5.05pm
Leg 5 Selections: (5) Starlore, (8) Blue Lemons
30 runners, many of whom have not raced that much and who could well have saved their best for the day, so tricky to rule too many out. Two who do significantly appeal though are STARLORE and BLUE LEMONS.
The former may not have won since his debut, but he was only finding his stride late in the day when seventh to Qirat, the favourite here, at Goodwood last month when repeatedly short of room. He is now 4lb better off, and this race should be run perfectly to suit him if following hold up tactics again; he should also improve the 1m trip.
Blue Lemons, on the other hand, disappointed slightly at Haydock, but the going may not have been ideal and he still showed positive signs of staying to the finish line. He was previously a close runner-up in what could prove a hot race at Sandown in time (third has since finished second in the Italian Derby) and it is worth backing him to improve for quicker ground.
Leg 6: 5.40pm
Leg 6 Selections: (5) First Look
King’s Gambit was mightily impressive at Newbury and will surely make a Group horse, but it is crazy that he is so substantially shorter in the market than current second favourite FIRST LOOK. The selection is a fascinating contender here having finished second in the Prix Du Jockey Club just over two weeks ago. There has not been a single runner in this race for the last decade trained in France, so this has clearly been singled out as a winnable opportunity by handler Andre Fabre, and he may not be wrong as this does not look the strongest renewal.
Placepot Selections For Day Three of Royal Ascot On Thursday 20th June
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