The joke will be on the bookies when Laugh Aloud comes roaring home to win the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on day two of Royal Ascot.
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John Gosden rates the filly his best chance of the week and reckons she’s a Group 1 horse running in a Group 2 race – and when the master trainer speaks, you should listen.
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Laugh Aloud absolutely routed the field at Epsom last time out and is my NAP of the day.
Get off to a flier by backing Godolphin’s Dream Castle in the opening race of the day, the Jersey Stakes.
There are plenty of positive vibes from the stable about this one, who was an unlucky fifth in the 2000 Guineas; the drop back in tip to seven furlongs will suit, while the quicker ground is another plus. French raider Rivet is the main threat.
American handler Wesley Ward has won the Queen Mary the last two years and can complete the trifecta with Happy Like a Fool, who he rates his best two-year-old runner of the week. The filly won well on her only start last time out and will have too much zip for these.
The feature race of the day is the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, for which Highland Reel can prove his class once again.
Aiden O’Brien’s horse has won at the top level around the globe and, in a far from vintage renewal, can get the better of the likes of Ulysees and Jack Hobbs, who would prefer slower ground.
Frankie Dettori’s unfortunate absence through injury could end up being a blessing in disguise for supporters of El Vip, who’ll now be ridden by Jamie Spencer in the penultimate race of the day, the Royal Hunt Cup.
Luca Cumani’s runner loves being held up for a late run, absolutely ideal for Spencer’s style of riding, and I can see him arriving fast and late to get up on the line.
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