Royal Ascot – Day four and five

I’ve been given orders by my wife that I’m not to spend too long blogging tonight as I’m shattered following my fifth straight day at the Guardian with Friday still to go. Add on three hours before I go to work writing the jumps trends book – out in October – and a further three hours commuting each day in the heat, and it’s been a long week!
So I’ll be brief. Thursday was a good day at Ascot, but would’ve been better had Jedediah held onto fourth as I did him each-way at 33/1, may be I should’ve done it each-way the first five available with several bookies – hope some of you did (*apologies, it was a dead-heat sixth!).
At least there were two winners on the day with South Central, who I previewed here, along with Colony, who landed me a nice touch. Ironic really, as I stood there 10 years ago at Ascot watching another of Stoute’s, Double Classic, win the same race.

I’m hoping there isn’t too much rain at Ascot as my Wokingham bet, Orpsie Boy, loves it fast. Having looked at the draw made on Thursday at the 48-hour stage, I’m not too worried with him being in 19, as he is drawn amongst the pace-setters and I think they’ll end up middle to stands’ side. If it doesn’t get too soft, I might also punt King’s Apostle as back-up.

That’s all from me this week, be back early next week with a mammoth performance ratings review and Top Of The Form entries. I’m off to Clacton for the weekend with my wife, but looks like we are in for a rainy few days so may be more hot tea than ice cream!

There are still eight remaining Ascot races from the book to work out - good luck with any bets.