Live Ascot Blog: All the talk from trackside on day one

Royal Ascot / Geoffrey Riddle / 16 June 2009 / Leave a Comment

Geoffrey Riddle is at Royal Ascot today to bring you all the essential information, hints and tips from the track. E-mail him on theriddleratbetfair@gmail.com

Cesare is a name on a lot of people's lips for the opener. The Cheveley Park runner has had eight starts at Ascot which have resulted in four wins and a third. He hasn't won this race in two attempts though, so I can't really see why he can win it this time. Looks a decent place bet though.

One of the reasons that Raine's Cross has been so heavily supported for the Coventry (4.20pm) is that Timeform and betting.betfair's very own Alan Dudman thinks defeat is out of the question. "He was so impressive behind Monsieur Chevalier over an inadequate five at Sandown last time, and that Bath race on debut couldn't have worked out better," said the ace racing analyst.

As a guide to Alan's potential skills, watch out for Gladiatorus in the Queen Anne (2.30pm), who he also thinks is going to win. The highest-rated horse in the world bids to translate his scintillating form in the UAE to courses in Britain and Europe. It is something which has been beyond a host of Godolphin's stars, most recently with Eastern Anthem, who ran so poorly in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Personally, I think Gladiatorus will have it easy, as there are no other horses in the race who like to dominate up front. To be honest, I have to confess that I lumped on last night just after midnight when I heard the heavens open down here. I was hoping to trade. But as Clerk of the Course Chris Stickles maintains, the going is still good to firm. I'm kind of stuck in now. It is my only concern.

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Royal Ascot 2009. Like Sir Ian Botham in that infernal Ashes advert on Sky Sports, we aim to bring all the action ... (dramatic pause) INTO your living room/office/bedroom/bathroom, wherever you find yourself this afternoon.
If you'd like to get involved, or want to generally sledge me after time, then get in touch at theriddleratbetfair@gmail.com

You're probably already up to speed, but despite their being lashings of rain last night the going remains good to firm. The main market movers are Scenic Blast, the Aussie sensation who has been well supported for the King's Stand Stakes at 3.05pm, Alexandros, the mount of Frankie Dettori in the 2.30pm, and an interesting one at [20.0] is Raine's Cross in the Coventry Stakes at 4.20pm.

For those who are coming down over the next five days, the colour most in vogue on the first day of the Royal meeting is fuchsia, although the bookies don't think Her Majesty will follow suit as green is the favourite in Queen's Hat betting this afternoon at 2-1. If you know, could you let me know, if you know what I mean. I'll split the profits...