He’s Irish, but there’s nothing lucky about Aidan O’Brien’s dominance on the Flat, and the master trainer can enjoy another day to remember at Royal Ascot this afternoon.
Back the Ballydoyle boss to land a big race treble, starting with the unbeaten Caravaggio in the Coronation Stakes at 3.40pm.
He stormed home in the Coventry Stakes at this meeting last year and warmed up for this with another commanding win in a Naas Group 3.
With only four starts to his name and further improvement highly likely, the stable rated him among their top chances going into the week and I can’t see him being turned over.
Ice cool jockey Ryan Moore can complete leg two of the trifecta half an hour later on Winter in the Coronation Stakes.
An impressive winner of both the English and Irish 1000 Guineas, she has by far the best form of these and looks like a banker.
Complete the treble by backing O’Brien’s second string Wisconsin in the Queen’s Vase at 5pm. He won his maiden in eye-catching style at the second time of asking last month, never coming off the bridle under a hands and heels ride, and the word from the stable is that he’s a major improver – get on at 10/1.
In the opening race of the day, the Albany Stakes, I like Alpha Centauri, a winner of both his two starts, including a Listed contest last time. Jessica Harrington can train them from five furlongs to four miles and I’m backing her to produce yet another big race winner.
Finally, I think Crystal Ocean is a worthy favourite for the King Edward. He had been really well backed for the Derby but then had a setback and with a clear preparation coming in here, will take all the beating.
