RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (THURSDAY) – ROYAL ASCOT

16:20 Ascot

One of the flagship races of the royal meeting, the Gold Cup features today.

Stradivarius is obviously the focus here, the reigning champion and million pound stayers triple crown winner. Attempting to follow the same path as last season, everything looks in place for another assault on this years race.

This years renewal looks a slightly different setup to last year. A couple of young pretenders look very interesting, notably Flag Of Honour and Dee Ex Bee.

Flag Of Honour is interesting from the point of view that he looked like a decent staying prospect last season, but things didn’t really go his way. He basically has been chasing Magical around so far, with a tilt at this race in mind. With another year on his back time is definitely still on his side.

Dee Ex Bee however is the selection. A big strong galloping type, has been crying out for these staying trips since day one. Classy enough to be placed in a Derby at three, he possesses all the attributes to be a quality stayer. Completely unexposed at this distance, and although his Henry II form was let down slightly at York, there was no denying the dominance of that success. Completely unexposed at this trip, his uncomplicated run style is a bonus and Mark Johnstons game runner is taken to win the Gold Cup.

DEE EX BEE (WIN)

21:00 Lingfield

The final race here at Lingfield sees top jockey Silvestre De Sousa stick around to climb aboard Sawasdee. It’s worth noting that such a top jockey waiting for a ride is often a very positive indicator of the horses chances and although the three year old hasn’t done much he represents top connections and making his handicap debut has shown enough to be a horse worth backing.

The best of his three career starts to date came on an artificial surface so a return to the all-weather should also play in to his hands.

Natsovia and Mondain are obvious dangers to the chances of our selection however a chance is taken on the King Power owned runner who can find his head in front for the first time on his fourth racecourse start.

SAWASDEE (WIN)

The Cambridge News – PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk:

16:20 Ascot – DEE EX BEE (WIN)

The Jersey Evening Post – Rory Paddock:

21:00 Lingfield – SAWASDEE (WIN)

East Anglian Daily Times – Dean Kilbryde:

14:30 Ascot – SUNDAY SOVEREIGN (WIN)

Norwich Evening News – Chris Connolly:

15:05 Ascot – KING OTTOKAR (WIN)

Ipswich Star – Matt Polley:

15:05 Ascot – ROSEMAN (WIN)