Royal Ascot Day One

There are five meetings taking place this afternoon with flat action from Royal Ascot, Beverley, Brighton and Thirsk (although the last named have to pass an inspection this morning), meanwhile there is also a jumps fixture from Stratford.  David has one runner at Stratford; Honeymoon Cocktail (pictured above) - our five year old has won twice in France as well as on the all-weather in this country.  He has schooled okay at home and is partnered this afternoon by Tom Scudamore.

It is day one of the Royal meeting at Ascot and there is some top quality action as you would expect, although you will need to make sure that your selection likes some cut in the ground if you are looking to have a wager.  David has no runners as both Low Key and Starchitect narrowly missed the cut for the Ascot Stakes, although he will still be up there in his top hat - he shouldn't be hard to spot as he will be about a foot taller than anybody else!

I have had a good look at the Ascot card and there is a thriller in store in the St James Palace Stakes.  I can't remember the last time the English, Irish and French Guineas winners clashed in the same race - this looks trappy enough, but just take a look at the Kings Stand at 3.40pm - it is a 21 runner sprint and if I were forced to have a bet it would be on Mecca's Angel.  At least he goes on the ground.

I was watching the match between Sweden and Ireland last night and there was a good result for the Irish as they drew 1-1.  Mind you, the Irish scored both goals and they were both beauties.

England's next big match is against Wales and there is no reason for any Russian supporters to be anywhere near that game so hopefully there will not be any trouble.  In Russia the fighting in the streets before the match is more important than the result and I am being serious.  The hooligans are not afraid of the police and are organised like an army and there can only be more problems as the tournament goes on.

Meanwhile, I will be having a bet on Ronaldo and Portugal to put away Iceland at 4/7.

The rain came in time to save my bet on the draw between England and Sri Lanka in the cricket.  The 7/2 looks big now and I wish I had had a bit more on - I am great with the afterthoughts!  I know it wasn't a patriotic bet, but with England 2-0 up in the series I don't feel too bad about it.  Dasun Shanaka eased fans frustration during the rain breaks with a game with spectators during the rain breaks at Lords.  He used a wheelie bin as stumps - yes, you guessed it - he was rubbish!

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