Royal Ascot - Norfolk Stakes

Royal Ascot (Day 3, Race 1)

Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo) Winner £42,578

Pick: Bapak Chinta (win) & Silverheels (each/way)

Ballesteros: Promising start when beaten 4 lengths by useful prospect in Haydock maiden last month but didn’t make the expected improvement for that when third again in Haydock maiden & well beaten in Windsor Castle two days ago.

Bannock: Made no mistake on second start when coasting home in Redcar maiden & then able to win race in one go when turning over odds-on Magic City in Windsor conditions event; Bettered that form when uncluky second (should have won in all likeliness) and can play big part.

Bapak Chinta: Backed like defeat was out of question in Hamilton maiden and that was indeed case, never headed and going clear in the final furlong, beating subsequent Listed winner Federick Engles; This a far different test but if adapting to it, has to be high on any shortlist.

Bear Behind: Managed to make Windsor Castle fourth Gentlemans Code work on debut, and came forward from that when landing maiden with ease (had well regarded/backed type behind); Ran well but left behind when fifth in Windsor Castle and has a lot of ground to make up on main contenders.

Boomerang Bob: Comfortable winner on debut at Kempton, although field modest & that confirmed when second in minor event at Windsor last time and this step up still.

Burwaaz: Looked sure fire winner when beating all but Eureka on his debut, having pulled all the way; Didn’t need to do much more when  winning at Leicester; This tougher but should be respected.

Caspar Nestcher: Backed on debut, did job in fine style when running out a ready winner on debut at Beverley; Not so good when beaten in Pontefract conditions stakes, unable to give 4lbs to a previous winner; Had chance to make amends in Woodcote Stakes but never at ease with the track and got too far behind to make impact; Confirmed that wasn’t his real form when he was an excellent third in Windsor Castle Stakes here but this harder.

Charles The Great: Made his debut in well represented maiden here (Both first and second ran well in Coventry, third seventh in Windsor Castle) and improved when beating Boomerang Bob with fair bit in hand; This harder still and others preferred despite promise.

Cravat: Seemed as if he’d enjoy a step up in trip when showing good attitude in making winning start in ordinary maiden but well held in useful York novice event and still well held on second to Gabrial latest.

Crown Dependency: Pick of stable jockey for top 2yo yard (has three wins in this) and made a most taking debut when easy winner Goodwood maiden on debut last month; That form looking fairly decent and can cope with drop back in trip here to go well.

Everyday Dave: Made most impressive impression of yard’s horses to have raced in Europe, when he slaughtered four rivals in the 5f conditions race by eight lengths (had won at Belmont previously); And while he is likely to have to fight for a lead, bold bid form the front his coming.

Forevertheoptimist: Case can be made for him, as his defeat of Bannock (albeit factoring improvement) is one of best pieces of form in race; Reportedly had valid excuses when worryingly well beaten last time but still hard to fancy off that.

Lupo D’Oro: Promise when prominent for a long way before fading late when fifth in a 6f Haydock maiden on debut & well behind in Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Marcus Augustus: Ran into one with experience when behind Airborne Again (same stable) on debut when switched to get through a tight gap in the latter stages; Disappointing when unable to break maiden last time out and stable has better chances.  

Sans Loi: Landed a gamble impressively on Nottingham debut, although that form looked weakish beforehand and no idea of how noteworthy win is; Obvious potential but this harder.

Signifier: Best of the rest behind Magic City on debut and then made no mistake when winning at 2/5 next time (led all the way, very keen); Weakened out of things when third behind Bannock and well beaten in Irish listed event latest.

Silverheels: Looked group class when bolting up from subsequent winner at Windsor despite having veered left after start (still green throughout); Has massive potential here for trainer with excellent record and must be looked at closely.

Tell Dad: Abundant promise when just outbattled by experienced Jack Who’s He on debut and to give him credit, he’s run into good ones the next twice; That said, just seems short of top class and unfancied here.

Ebony Clarets: Would have to be doubtful for this having been well trashed in Queen Mary Stakes yesterday following winning debut.

Pyman’s Theory: Obviously well regarded (sent off at 5/4 for debut, when not getting best of runs) & made no mistake at Leicester 10 days later; Disappointing when fifth in Listed race but once again very promising when going clear and building advantage Bannock couldn’t reduce in Sandown listed event last time; Can play her part although she will need to find more again.

VERDICT: A chance is taken on BAPAK CHINTA improving on his debut run and being able to cope with this bigger field, and there’s no faulting the form of his 3 lengths win over Frederick Engles. Silverheels is next best and a decent each/way, while Bannock, Pyman’s Theory & Crown Dependency can all play their part.