Don't miss a thing in our Royal Ascot blog
Don't miss a thing in our Royal Ascot blog

Royal Ascot recap: News, reaction, video replays and free betting tips from our blog


Recap day four of Royal Ascot 2020 where Golden Horde won the Group One Commonwealth Cup for trainer Clive Cox.

Royal Ascot - Day four highlights


1702: And that's a wrap for day four of Royal Ascot 2020. Golden Horde stole the show with victory in the feature race on the day, the Group One Commonwealth Cup, but Dandalla looked a star in the making when blitzing her rivals in the Albany Stakes. Aidan O'Brien might have a future Gold Cup contender on his hands in the shape of Queen's Vase victor Santiago and he will be hoping for more success on Saturday. It should be another day to saviour so please do join us then.

Result - Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes

  1. Scarlet Dragon 33/1
  2. Deja 9/1
  3. West End Charmer 4/1 fav
  4. Le Don De Vie 11/1
  5. Indianapolis 7/1

*Sky Bet paid five places on the 1640 at Ascot

1644: Scarlet Dragon picks up Deja late on under a strong ride from Hollie Doyle. Deja looked to have the race won when claiming West Charmer inside the final furlong but Doyle summoned an irresistible run from Scarlet Dragon to hand trainer Alan King a notable Royal Ascot success. A first ever Royal Ascot winner for Doyle, too - I dare say it won't be the last. Heartbreak for Peter Chapple-Hyam fans, most notably myself, but Deja went down on his shield.

1633: The final race of the day is coming up and West End Charmer heads the betting for the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes. He won well at Newmarket last time but was helped by making the running on a front-runners track there and I'm not sure that will be the case here.

I'd love to see Peter Chapple-Hyam taste Royal Ascot success again and Deja would have a real chance on the pick of his form, especially with cut in the ground. Durston is another big player with the promise of more to come as a four-year-old. He, too, should like this ground. The form of the David Simcock stable is a worry, though.

1630: Here's Aidan O'Brien on Santiago: "He's a lovely straightforward horse. He travelled well and we always thought he would stay well. He's an easy horse to train and an easy horse to get fit. We've been thinking he was an ideal St Leger horse so we'll look for another run somewhere between now and then really. I'm not sure he'd run in a Derby as he could be a Cup horse for next year - he'll get better from three to four. We've plenty for both Derbys, the Irish Derby would come too quick anyway but we'll see what the lads want to do. We think he'll be a horse for the Cup races next year so that is why we thought this race would suit him."

Result - Queen's Vase

  1. Santiago 10/3
  2. Berkshire Rocco 3/1
  3. Al Dabaran 6/1

1614: Ryan Moore is on the right one as Santiago wins handsomely for trainer Aidan O'Brien. Berkshire Rocco tried hard back in the second but he was dwarfed by the winner when they crossed swords in the home straight and there was only ever going to be one winner from there on in.

1606: I do think Berkshire Rocco holds strong claims here. He ran a blinder when second to English King in the Lingfield Derby Trial and I'm not sure the fast ground would have been ideal for him that day. These conditions should be more to his liking and as long as this doesn't come too soon after, he should run very well.

1558: The Queen's Vase is coming up and given the prevailing underfoot conditions, you'll need a strong stayer here. Continuing the theme of backing Aidan O'Brien-trained losers today, I'm very tempted by Nobel Prize but the fact Ryan Moore is on stablemate Santiago does temper enthusiasm slightly. Frankie Dettori isn't a bad substitute, though.

1553: A brilliant result for Clive Cox who really does know what he's doing with these sprinters. I suspect we'll be hearing plenty more about Golden Horde this season.

Some reaction from Adam Kirby now: "He's a proper horse and he's done nothing but improve. He strengthened up very well over the winter. He's just like his dad, Lethal Force - he's improving as time goes on. He jumped away and travelled good and has got a very high cruising speed. He's just like his dad, apart from he's a different colour. He's very quick, but hits the line very strong over six furlongs. I can't see any reason why we would change it."

Golden Horde wins from Kimari in the Commonwealth Cup
Golden Horde wins from Kimari in the Commonwealth Cup

Result - Commonwealth Cup

  1. Golden Horde 5/1
  2. Kimari 5/1
  3. Ventura Rebel 50/1
  4. Royal Commando 250/1
  5. Millisle 8/1

*Sky Bet paid five places on the 1535 at Ascot

1537: Middle Park runner-up Golden Horde goes one better with a taking victory in the Commonwealth Cup. Kimari battled on well for second but just couldn't get past the winner. A big effort from Ventura Rebel to finish third at a big price. At even bigger price - 250/1 to be exact - Royal Commando finishes fourth.

A big moment for Adam Kirby and for Clive Cox, who has found himself another top-class sprinter.

1532: The team on ITV Racing are suggesting Kimari will make the running here but I doubt that very much. She's hasn't been doing that in her most recent starts, anyway. I'm chucking a few quid on Royal Lytham, too, given the strength of his two-year-old form last summer.

1527: Pierre Lapin is a half-brother to that brilliant sprinter Harry Angel and he would be a fitting winner for the in-form Roger Varian outfit. Lope Y Fernandez is now challenging for favouritism following his fine third in the Irish 2000 Guineas only a week ago and the drop back to sprinting is an interesting move for him.

Don't discount Kimari, either. She is a cracking sprinter who was only narrowly touched off in the Queen Mary Stakes last year before looking an unlucky loser at the Breeders' Cup. She was all speed last year but expect Frankie Dettori to take his time with her this time. She would just about be my idea of the winner, for all this stiff six furlongs might not be absolutely ideal.

1525: Fanny Logan continues to progress at a rapid rate of knots. The way events unfolded there might have suited her - coming off a strong early gallop - but she oozes class, continues on an upward curve and John Gosden does look to have another another star on his hands.

Talking of stars, the three-year-old sprinters take centre stage now with the feature race of the day, the Group One Commonwealth Cup, due off at 1535. Pierre Lapin currently heads the betting for Roger Varian at 7/2.

Fanny Logan powers ahead
Fanny Logan powers ahead

1523: Some reaction from John Gosden on Fanny Logan's Hardwicke success: "She went up to Haydock and she ran a lovely race, she was a bit keen. She had been working well but the race put her straight. If they go strong in this ground, you can make a great run down the outside and she did. It was no fluke."

Frankie Dettori added: "She liked the ground and the race worked out well, she's definitely improved since last year."

Result - Hardwicke Stakes

  1. Fanny Logan 17/2
  2. Alounak 40/1
  3. Defoe 6/1

1503: Fanny Logan swoops by and leaves them for dead at the furlong pole. Another winner for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori. Anthony Van Dyck never travelled for all he suffered interference in the home straight while Elarqam proved a disappointment once again. Alounak ran a screamer for second at 40/1 with Defoe filling the places.

1456: Anthony Van Dyck for me here. His from is rock-solid from top to bottom. He will surely prove hard to beat. He doesn't look great, though, on closer inspection and is getting himself very warm.

1445: I'm sweet on last season's Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck in the upcoming Hardwicke Stakes. He handles cut in the ground fine and I thought his comeback run when second in the Coronation Cup was a good one. Yesterday's Ascot Gold Cup hero Stradivarius was back in third that day. However, a couple of fancied Ballydoyle runners have already been turned over this afternoon and we are only three races in. One thing is for sure; I couldn't back current favourite Elarqam - who has had more excuses than Peter Barlow - with free money. With underfoot conditions on the slow side, Hamish and Defoe must be respected.

1440: Some reaction from Michael Bell on The Lir Jet's victory: "He's one of the fastest two-year-olds I've had - he's all speed. During the race I was a bit worried when the leader went so far clear, but Oisin (Murphy) obviously thought he had it under control and the horse battled. He's a very inexperienced horse. He's only run the once and has never really had to dig in before because when he won (at Yarmouth) he won on the bridle. He's learnt how to race today and I think you'll see a better performance next time, hopefully. My son found him and then Sheikh Fahad was watching him on the telly at Yarmouth. He asked if he was for sale and the rest is history. He's won a Group Two now, so if he runs in another Group Two he'd carry a penalty. I'd be inclined to aim him at something like the Prix Morny, but we'll speak to Sheikh Fahad and David Redvers and come up with a plan."

The Lir Jet (left) stays on strongly to win
The Lir Jet (left) stays on strongly to win at Ascot

Result - Norfolk Stakes

  1. The Lir Jet 9/2
  2. Golden Pal 12/1
  3. Imperial Force 15/2
  4. Lipizzaner 5/2

*Sky Bet paid four places on the 1425 at Ascot

1429: Just in time for The Lir Jet who reels in Golden Pal who ran his heart out for Wesley Ward in second. A terrific, never-say-die ride from Oisin Murphy on the winner. A nice horse for Michael Bell to go to war with again. Eye Of Heaven was a major disappointment on much softer ground than he encountered at Newmarket while Lipizzaner was always on the back foot before plugging on for fourth. I don't really know what to make of him now.

1426: Eye Of Heaven strong at the head of the market. He looked very smart when winning at Newmarket and he had Tactical - a winner here earlier in the week - behind that day. He must be respected.

1420: Right, apologies for my lack of professionalism there but I'm back in the zone now. I promise. The Norfolk coming up and I'm getting stuck into Lipizzaner here. He might still be a maiden but I think he's pretty good and is already proven with cut in the ground.

1419: What on earth is going on? Doctor Karl Kennedy from Australian soap Neighbours is now on ITV Racing. Can this day get any more ridiculous?

1412: The official winning distance for the Albany was six lengths. Good lord. Dandalla now 16/1 for next year's 1000 Guineas with Paddy Power and Betfair. Sky Bet also go 16/1.

Just to tidy things up from that race: Setarhe and Mother Earth filled the places in second and third respectively. Two very good prospects in their own right but no match for Dandalla today.

Result - Albany Stakes

  1. Dandalla 6/1
  2. Setarhe 11/4 fav
  3. Mother Earth 10/3

1406: She 'destroyed them' says Ben Curtis. Karl Burke not ruling out a tilt at next season's 1000 Guineas. In fact, he seems rather keen on it.

I still haven't heard from my friend by the way. Good God, I do hope he hasn't had a heart attack.

1401: Dandalla looks a special talent in winning the Albany for trainer Karl Burke, jockey Ben Curtis, and owners Nick Bradley Racing. A little keen upon leaving the stalls, Dandalla soon settled into her work in the rear and could be seen travelling noticeably well, as one by one, her rivals began to feel the pinch. She was still on the bridle when surging into the lead at the furlong marker and just kept pouring it on in the closing stages. I can't get an official winning distance but it was plenty.

Dandalla pours in on under Ben Curtis
Dandalla pours in on under Ben Curtis

1400: YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

1359: Dandalla bolts up. Like really bolts up. By a distance. I'm lost for words. And shaking. Please give me a minute.

1355: Loading but nearly there. Setarhe now favourite at 3/1. This is a significant gamble.

1350: The runners are down at the post now. Mother Earth solid at 3/1 with Setarhe strong at 4/1. She won well at Newbury and represents a Roger Varian stable enjoying a fine week so far. Dandalla 7/1 now. At least I got the value. US raider Flying Aletha on the drift despite Wesley Ward's fine record at this meeting over the years.

1345: I've just had half a bowl of cold chilli for lunch. The cupboard is most definitely bare. Hopefully it'll be steak for dinner after a handful of winners today.

1334: The Albany Stakes is coming up next. I have two darts at this with Mother Earth and Dandalla and Sky Bet are offering money back if your horse finishes second or third in the Albany. That must be worth a look.

Sky Bet's latest Money Back offer
Click on the image for Sky Bet's latest Money Back offer

1327: Betfair and Paddy Power go 14/1 about Art Power for the Nunthorpe. That will not last. Sky Bet 10/1 already.

Meanwhile. some reaction from William Easterby, the trainer's son, who said: "It's great to get a Royal Ascot winner for the King Power team (owner). He goes on good but has won on soft, so we didn't mind the rain at all."

Result - Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap

  1. Art Power 6/4 fav
  2. Keep Busy 6/1
  3. Dancin Inthestreet 9/1
  4. Lambeth Walk 33/1
  5. Mighty Spirit 14/1
  6. Illusionist 150/1

*Sky Bet paid six places on the 1315 at Ascot

1319: Never an anxious moment for favourite backers as Art Power smokes them. Blistering early speed before staying on powerfully to come right away from a fair field in the closing stages. I suspect we've seen a Group One sprinter there. Hats off to trainer Tim Easterby. Keep Busy runs well for second but she was in a different race to the winner in all fairness.

1316: 6/4 Art Power.

1314: No bet from me. The favourite looks awfully short at 13/8. He must be a rocket.

1310: Art Power 7/4 now. Yikes!

1300: The opening Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap is only 15 minutes away now and Art Power is all the rage having made an impressive reappearance at Newcastle recently. I love this colt and he did me a big favour when winning at York back in October. However, for all I suspect a handicap mark of 97 is well within his capabilities, 2/1 about a thrice-raced horse in a 21-runner Royal Ascot handicap is just not for me. This coming from the man who steamed into Mogul on Tuesday.

I'm not sure I can find a bet against him, though, though Maystar should enjoy conditions and represents the best young trainer in the land in Archie Watson.

1250: Don't forget the ITV7 today. I think we're up to Β£200,000 in the pot, which would do I suppose. Usual rules, pick seven winners from the seven selected races and start booking that holiday. Not that Boris will let us go anywhere this summer.

I would put my seven selections in here but our very own Dave Smith assures me he has all seven winners picked out today so I will bow to his superior judgement. Just don't mention the Newcastle takeover to him!

Click here to read Dave's thoughts on today's action.

Eye Of Heaven makes a sparkling start at Newmarket
Dave Smith previews today's ITV7 races

1245: Some really interesting thoughts from Ben there. I'm still kicking despite a couple of setbacks yesterday and have some financial interest in today's action. I'll be very disappointed if Aidan O'Brien doesn't have a good day with last year's Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck running later on, but before that, I'm expecting big things from his two-year-olds in the Albany Stakes and Norfolk Stakes respectively.

Lipizzaner lines up in the latter race and despite being beaten at odds on at Naas last time, that looked a strong race with yesterday's impressive winner Battleground back in fifth. He must go well for Ryan Moore while just over half an hour earlier, Mother Earth is favourite for the Albany. Like Lipizzaner, Mother Earth is still a maiden but she shaped with bundles of encouragement when second to an exciting filly of Ger Lyons' on debut and that might turn out to be very decent two-year-old form.

I must also give a special mention to Dandalla who runs for Karl Burke in colours of Nick Bradley Racing. With one of his first adventures into racehorse ownership, an old friend of mine purchased a share in Dandalla back in the spring and was left dreaming of Royal Ascot glory after she made a striking winning debut at Newcastle 17 days ago. Burke remains adamant she is a very smart filly, for all this clearly represents a huge step up in class. Fingers crossed she does connections proud and having taken a very tiny bit of 25/1 a week ago, I'm must confess to not being 100 per cent impartial.

1225: Form is temporary, class is permanent. That leads us nicely to Ben Linfoot's Value Bet, which is all about 'keep doing the right thing and the results will eventually look after themselves'. If you think otherwise, then just look at his long-term profits.

Today, our flagship tipster has five selections at juicy prices, including Royal Lytham in the Commonwealth Cup. Click here or the image below for the full preview.

Royal Lytham is backed to run a huge race in the Commonwealth Cup
Royal Lytham is backed to run a huge race in the Commonwealth Cup

1210: Some news from the track is that the going is now Good to Soft on the Straight Course and Soft, Good to Soft in places in the Round Course. Not ideal summer ground but I didn't think it was too testing yesterday and if anything, the 'bad ground' factor was probably overplayed a little, myself included.

1205: Yesterday was all about Stradivarius and his brilliant third Ascot Gold Cup success, but we really must look forward in this game and with that in mind, the Crazy Gang are back with today's daily briefing.

1200: Hello and welcome back to our live coverage of Royal Ascot 2020. It's day four already and what a day we have in store with the Commonwealth Cup taking centre stage as the three-year-old sprinters lock horns in a race that has been a fantastic addition to the Royal meeting. With last year's Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck lining up in the Hardwicke Stakes and a whole host of exciting two-year-olds on show in the Albany Stakes and Nolfolk Stakes, there really is so much to look forward to.


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