Wednesday 19 June

The second day of Royal Ascot - but the real action is in Uttoxeter!! There are not enough fences at Royal Ascot - although the JonJo O'Neill crew didn't need any yesterday when they won the Ascot Stakes - although over the marathon trip of 2m 4f I should think the horses were crying out for an obstacle!! Amistress makes the trip to Uttoxeter this afternoon and is favourite for the 2m mares handicap hurdle at 4.25. This race has been the target since she was allotted a mark of 98, and on the advice of Paddy Brennan we are using Conor Shoemark to claim an invaluable 7lbs off her back. She would have plenty of weight for a small mare otherwise. The ground looks like it will be in her favour, and we would hope for a big run, for once her mark looks workable!! Waila has a decent draw for the Ribblesdale tomorrow and I think she has a super each way chance - but we will wait and see what the ground is tomorrow, as the forecast looks trappy to say the least! Most of my fancies failed to shine at Ascot yesterday - but it was a thrill to watch Dawn Approach and Toronado go at it hammer and tongs up the home straight! Toronado lost nothing in defeat and I think he is a horse that will have a superb second half of the season!!