Arabian Gleam too big at 33/1 in wide open Queen Anne Stakes
There may only be a small field for Royal Ascot’s opening contest this afternoon, but there are a number of question marks hanging over the majority of the nine runners in a wide open contest. Godolphin’s Gladiatorus is rated the best horse in the world and will take plenty of catching if he can bring his Nad Al Sheba form to Europe.
However, he wasn’t trained by Godolphin then and there is a chance that he won’t be able to reproduce those heroics. At just 2/1 with Boylesports, I’m prepared to let him run and would be far more interested taking a chance on his stablemate Alexandros at 9/1. Yet, even though this fellow nearly landed us a 20/1 punt in the Lockinge last month, his best form is on soft ground and this surface may be a bit lively.
Paco Boy is another who would prefer some give underfoot and unfortunately for Hannon’s stable star, Gladiatorus will expose all stamina limitations. He’s just too short at 3/1 for a horse that will be running on empty in the closing stages. I’m also keen to oppose Aqlaam (plenty to prove after Lockinge flop), Cesare (stable form a worry), Dream Eater (not straightforward) and Mac Love (not good enough), which leaves Main Aim and Arabian Gleam.
Now, Main Aim would be a big fancy if the rain arrived, but the son of Oasis Dream may struggle to cope with the fast ground, while the trip is also an unknown. That leaves Jeremy Noseda’s ARABIAN GLEAM at a massive 33/1 and a genuine chance of being in the mix.
Our selection is ideally also suited by a softer surface and all his best form has been over seven furlongs. However, he was bumped when coming from behind in this 12 months ago and was running on well at the death behind Main Aim at Haydock last time. At nearly 10 times the price of that rival, I’m prepared to take a chance and hope that he may sneak a place.
Mastercraftsman will be all the rage in the St James’ Palace Stakes, but I’m not keen to take odds-on about Aidan O’Brien’s charge. Yes, he is the most likely winner, but in Delegator, Evasive and Intense Focus, he takes on three colts with massive potential. I’m going to lay Mastercraftsman on Betdaq as he looked to get outpaced at Newmarket on fast ground and the same could easily happen again. The Punter is now online at www.cityam.com/the-punter and will be coming to you from Ascot each day this week.
POINTERS…
33/1 ARABIAN GLEAM e/w Royal Ascot 2.30pm
MASTERCRAFTSMAN lay Royal Ascot 3.45pm