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After what was an exciting if not typically tough (for punters) opening day, we move on to the second day of Royal Ascot, where another crop of top-class horses will be in action.
There are some cracking races lined for Wednesday, and the day kicks off with Group 2 action in the form of the Queen Mary Stakes, which is for two-year-old fillies only. Run over a sharp five furlongs, this race is all about speed. Over the years, this contest has been won by some rather incredible speedsters, such as Lady Aurelia, who shot away from the pack in 2016. Will we see something special this time around?
Burke brings a strong hand to the table
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Trainer Karl Burke is clearly looking to attack this race. He saddles the early favourite Beautiful Diamond. This filly was bought for a whopping no less than £360,000 and it appears that big things are very much expected of her. She was sent off as the second favourite on her debut at Nottingham, but won the race in good style, quickening clear with ease.
Burke also has Got To Love A Grey, who at the prices, as far as I’m concerned, makes a little more appeal than the above. This filly comes into the race with a tad more experience having had two runs. She won with plenty in hand at Nottingham on debut, drawing clear without really being asked too many serious questions, winning on soft ground, which after recent rain is a plus. What’s more, she certainly took the step up in class when winning a Listed contest at York last time out, posting a rather premier speed rating in the process. That form should not be ignored.
Far from a two-horse race
The two horse above hold serious claims, but so do many others. Relief Rally for William Haggas is two wins from two runs, winning well at Sandown last time out, so she warrants plenty of respect, as does Richard Fahey’s Midnight Affair, who travelled well before making smooth headway to land the spoils in a Class 2 race at Beverley last time out.
At bigger odds, Bundchen cannot be disregarded, oh no. American trainer Wesley Ward has something of a habit of lining one up for this race having won saddles four Queen Mary Stakes winners since 2009. The American two-year-old failed to confirm favouritism on debut on the dirt at Keeneland, but the fact that he’s here after that should tell us how well he’s thought of. It would be little surprise if he was to step forward and get involved.
Best Bet: Got To Love A Grey (each-way) @ 10/1
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