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June 22: Hayley Turner's Royal Ascot Picks

by Hayley Turner, GBI Racing

June 22, 2017

GBI Racing Ambassador and former leading jockey, Hayley Turner, gives her expert insight on Thursday's Racing


2.30 (9:30AM ET) – Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) 
Frozen Angel
This is one of Tom Dascombe’s best runners at the meeting and was a course and distance winner in May. Ran over 5f last time out at Sandown but experienced some trouble in running, getting crowded out. He still ran on well though, only getting beaten by a length.
 
3.05 (10:05AM ET) – Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) 
Mirage Dancer
I was at Chester when he finished fourth last time out and just felt the course didn’t suit him as the straight isn’t very long. Ascot will suit him better and I feel Sir Michael Stoute always seems to leave a bit up his sleeve and looks at the bigger picture.
 
3.40 (10:40AM ET) – Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2)
Mori
He also won at Ascot in May and looks a really well-balanced filly. I think she is very relaxed and stepping up to a mile and a half will help her after finishing her previous races well.
 
4.20 (11:20AM ET) – Gold Cup (Group 1)
Big Orange
I ride out for Michael Bell and have always thought Big Orange is a lovely, uncomplicated big horse. He will love the ground as long as there is no rain - the faster the ground the better! A lot of people fancy Order Of St George but the price is too short for me. Sheilkhzayedroad would be an each-way bet for me, he is getting more relaxed with age so can go the extra distance.
 
5.00 (12:00PM ET) – Gold Cup (Heritage Handicap)
Bless Him – Bet Of The Day
Bless Him and Ronald R are the two horses I like in this race and have ridden both of them. They are both similar horses and will enjoy the big field. Out of the two I would go for Bless Him; he got locked up in-running at Goodwood but will be more relaxed with a hood on.