Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Docklands the port of call in the Queen Anne

By News Team
17th June 2024

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews each race of the first day of Royal Ascot, Tuesday 18th June.

Royal Ascot, Tuesday

Docklands is the clear pick under William Hill’s each-way and Top Price Guarantee terms in the Royal Ascot opener, the Queen Anne Stakes. Although he may not have proved himself at this level, he has certainly proved himself at this track, and can take advantage of the likely pace set up of this race, which could be something of a burn up. Hayley Turner executes waiting rides here beautifully, and has the ideal strong travelling partner to at least pick up a bit of the action late.

Believing is the bet in the King Charles III. A cigarette paper covers the field on ratings and the market has underestimated her since her resounding victory at Haydock. I’d like a more even draw in an ideal world, but I’m hoping there’s enough pace to drag her into the race. Put simply, a well run, stiff five on fast ground should be perfect.

Arran looks a little overpriced in the Coventry. He’s been wrapped up since his Craven meeting debut, but the form has worked out well, the time was good, and the stride analysis suggested he was far from a whizz bang one hit wonder. The stable has had a bit of a two-year-old renaissance this year, and a hard run up the stands rail is not a remote possibility at big odds.

Darlinghurst each-way might be the way to play the St James’s Palace. Notable Speech and co are mighty foes, but the selection dispatched the subsequent French Derby runner-up with contempt on his last start, and comes from an excellent stable. At the likely odds, he should at least get you in the mix.

Zanndabad is a pretty boring pick in the Ascot Stakes, but now is surely the time that he’s ready to turn it on in a decent handicap. Connections have been trying their hand for a bit, but inexperience has generally caught him out. Desperately unlucky in the Chester Cup, it’s only a matter of time before he shows just how well handicapped he is.

Astro King can go well in the Wolferton. He’s a big price because he’s apparently exposed, but he has his absolute optimum trip and ground conditions here. Furthermore, he was asked the impossible on his latest start, and invariably gives his best. The market is made on potential, but this horse is guaranteed to perform to a very high level for this grade, and there will be plenty of pace for him to chase down.

My Mate Mozzie could be the answer to the Copper Horse. This is a devilishly tough contest, but this horse is bred to be a smart flat horse, had a hugely high level of ability over hurdles, and might only be scratching the surface under this code. Stamina is no issue, nor is ground, while the trainer’s record here speaks for itself.