Diamond Jubilee Stakes (6f, Saturday, June 19, 4.20pm)
Royal Ascot is the biggest week in the British flat racing calendar. Alongside a plethora of Group 1s, racing fans are treated to some of the most competitive handicaps of the year, and some cracking juvenile contests that unearth future stars. In anticipation of this year’s meeting, Daryl Carter is providing his expert analysis and ante-post betting selections for all of the big Royal Ascot races. Here, Daryl provides his thoughts on the Diamond Jubilee Stakes – the highlight on Day 5 of Royal Ascot.
Starman
He looks like the rightful market leader after an excellent performance at York on seasonal return. He is a big horse and should strip fitter for that outing, and this stiff 6f could see the best of him. He disappointed here last term in the Champion Sprint Stakes, but that came on soft ground, and connections have said that the quicker the ground, the better for him, so perhaps one to leave along until conditions are known on the day.
Dream Of Dreams
This looks to be his seasonal target after being narrowly denied in the last two renewals by two horses both rated higher than him. He won’t face that here and will come into the race the top-rated horse and by some way. It was an encouraging reappearance at Windsor in a minor event in May, and he looks the horse to beat and could offer some value given he won’t be ground dependant.
Nahaar
Only has a neck to find with Starman on their meeting at York but was race fit. However, that was a career-best performance from him and he hasn’t had too many goes over 6f and he could yet make up into a very smart performer himself.
Extravagant Kid
Gelded since last seen winning a Group 1 in Meydan over Final Song and Acklam Express, but that form would need to be improved on significantly to figure here. The American will probably be over bet.
Art Power
He hasn’t really taken the next step in his career after reaching a useful level last season and now looks ground dependant after failing to figure behind Starman at York. He would come into contention should the heavens open but would be hard to side with from an ante-post perspective.
Conclusion
This race already looks as though it will be a battle between the top two in the market, so naturally, the bigger price of those and top-rated DREAM OF DREAMS offers excellent value at 9/2. There is a good chance this will cut up, and the two at the head of the market will be significantly shorter on the day. This is undoubtedly the target, and he goes on all ground, so he rates a solid ante-post punt.