With the Ascot just around the corner, many fans and punters will be looking at the line up and preparing for the event. Although there won’t be any general admission for fans, the event is preparing for a maximum attendance of 4,000 people for each day so with a little luck you may be one of the lucky few able to physically watch the races, and many will expect next year to mark a return to normalcy here. But who are the big names, and who’s looking likely to win?
Stradivarius – Looking to take the win for the fourth season in a row at the Gold Cup, the 7-year-old tops the list as being the favourite at the Ascot this year and looking to follow the likes of Yeats who was able to win four times between 2006 and 2009. Age is still on the side of Stradivarius but with much younger racers still in the mix, staying healthy and without injury will be key.
Palace Pier – After winning at the St James’s Palace Stakes last year, plenty of eyes will be on the four-year-old. Although some likened it to good luck, those in the known have seen just how talented this horse is and with some other strong flat performances too, Palace Pier will certainly be in the runnings, and after a long break, will be well tuned going into the Ascot too.
Lord North – Another looking to make history, the 5-year-old will be attempting to be the fourth horse ever to win multiple Prince Of Wales’s Stakes following last year’s win – having had a mixed bag of finishes over the past year, Lord North certainly isn’t toward the top of the punters odds but with a solid start to 2021, it has renewed faith for some that there’s a strong opportunity to break records this year.
Battaash – Claiming a win at the Ascot last year, Battaash is considered to be one of the fastest flat racing horses in the world. The opening day of the Ascot will show if Battaash is holding good form looking to defend the King’s Stand Stakes on the opening day of the event. After being the runner up at the 2018 and 2019 event, maybe age will play in favour and make a potential result much more reliable.
With temperatures soaring in the UK early on, it’s looking to be a warm weekend of racing and some great viewing too, although not being able to attend will take away from the experience for some but may provide some additional entertainment through online viewing once again.