TimeformBlog

It looks the toughest card of the week so far to crack at Royal Ascot, but we've never been afraid to shirk a challenge, and we'll put up Alkimos (17.00) as one of the day's best bets in the newly-upgraded Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes. Formerly known as the Hampton Court Stakes, the mile and a quarter contest has been upgraded for the third time since 2000, and Alkimos is bidding to follow in the footsteps of Afsare, who took the race twelve months ago for Luca Cumani and Kieren Fallon having scored in the same minor event beforehand at Doncaster that Alkimos took so impressively a fortnight ago. Alkimos did it very easily on Town Moor, quickening to the front and striding away from Maali who re-opposes today. He's bound to improve again and could have the beating of Tazahum and Marksmanship, though the latter, who won a strong maiden at the Curragh on his debut, really does fall into the 'could be anything' category for Aidan O'Brien.

Penangdouble O One (17.20) could be worth chancing stepped up in trip in the penultimate race at Warwick. A half-brother to Harbinger, Penangdouble O One returned to form when fourth behind the revitalised King's Counsel at Ripon last time, shaping as if an increased emphasis on stamina would suit as he was tapped for toe. Still unexposed after eight runs, Penangdouble O One could well have more to offer over staying trips.

Lunar Promise (20.40) was a non-runner when we put him up at Bath on Saturday, but is entered at Beverley this evening in an even weaker race than that one looked so we won't desert him. Back from an absence of two and a half years and going off a career-low mark for Ian Williams, Lunar Promise landed a gamble in some style at Kempton last week. As we said on Saturday, backing successful horses turned out quickly after long absences comes with risks attached, but with this race looking very winnable we'll give Lunar Promise the benefit of the doubt, and from stall 1 he can pick off Ay Tay Tate and On The Cusp, both attempting to follow-up recent victories gained from the front.

Recommendations
Back Alkimos @ 7.2 Royal Ascot 17.00
Back Penangdouble O One @ 8.8 Warwick 17.20
Back Lunar Promise @ 3.5 Beverley 20.40

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