Turner's Earners: Royal Ascot day two - This Boy can Paco punch

13 April 2012

The absence of Raven's Pass Pass from today's Jersey Stakes field has opened the door for one of the 18 runners to grab Group Three glory and PACO BOY (Ascot, nap, 2.30) should be backed to cash in.

Richard Hannon's charge found the mile of the French Guineas beyond him last time, but he still emerged with plenty of credit, especially as he suffered trouble in running at Longchamp.

Packing a punch: Paco Boy

Packing a punch: Paco Boy


Although Falco did little for the form behind Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass in the St James's Palace Stakes yesterday, Paco Boy is probably better judged on his win in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury in April.

The turn of foot he displayed on that occasion on dead ground was exceptional and connections expect him to prove a better horse on a faster surface.

With five winners since Saturday, the Hannon stable are in a rich vein of form and their son of Desert Style looks sure to give a good account under today's conditions.

It may also be worth noting that Richard Hughes is unbeaten in two rides on Paco Boy over seven furlongs.

Art Connoisseur's victory in the Coventry Stakes was exceptional and a fine run from runner-up Intense Focus has advertised the claims of SUGAR FREE (Ascot, nb, 4.55) in an open renewal of the Queen Mary Stakes.

Tommy Stack's juvenile finished third behind Intense Focus at The Curragh on her debut, despite meeting trouble in running from the two-furlong marker.

That was an outstanding effort for an inexperienced filly who was also a little too keen for her own good in the early stages of a decent maiden.

With that run behind her, I expect her to improve immeasurably and she could just surprise one or two of the English fillies in a race which seems to lack the strength of previous seasons.

Aidan O'Brien carried off two of the big prizes on day one and he looks to have an outstanding chance of pleting a treble of Group One victories when DUKE OF MARMALADE (Ascot, 3.45) bids to record his third win of the season in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes.

The Danehill colt, the latest in an ever increasing line of classy three-year-olds kept in training by Ballydoyle, has already mopped up a couple of Group One wins this term and he kept on readily to beat Finsceal Beo at The Curragh last time.

He appears to be thriving, has experience of Ascot from his effort in the St James's Palace Stakes 12 months ago, and looks the one they all have to get past.

There has been good money for Sir Michael Stoute's Ask in recent days and he could trouble the selection along with Pressing, who made an eyecatching comeback in Italy last month and is reported to have improved a stone since finishing fifth in this event last season.

The fate of many punters will rest on the fortunes of Bankable in the Royal Hunt Cup and it is going to take a below-par performance or trouble in running to see him beaten.

I was sceptical of his chance prior to his winning effort at Goodwood, but the time he achieved that day suggests he will be awfully tough to beat.

However, his price dictates we have to try and find an each-way alternative and We'll Come and EXTRATERRESTRIAL (Ascot, 4.20) top my list.

The former enjoyed a nice warm-up at today's track over an inadequate seven furlongs last time and should go well with the first time headgear applied, while Extraterrestrial was unlucky at Chester and should appreciate the galloping nature of the Royal venue.

Today's lay is Danehill Destiny (Ascot, 4.55).

ROBIN GOODFELLOW'S DOUBLE: Paco Boy (Royal Ascot, nap, 2.30) and Sugar Free (Royal Ascot, 4.55)

GIMCRACK'S DOUBLE: Duke Of Marmalade (Royal Ascot, 3.45) and Flipando (Royal Ascot, nap, 4.20)

CAPTAIN HEATH'S NAP: Heaven Sent (Royal Ascot, 3.05)

FORMCAST SPECIAL BET: Hits Only Vic (Ripon, 8.55) THE WIZARD: Shabiba (Royal Ascot, 5.30).

WORK WHISPER: Calming Influence (R Ascot, 2.30)

BURNT FINGERS: Humungous (Royal Ascot, 4.20)

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