Daily Racing Tips: Rip it up at Ascot

Carl Harris’ Daily Racing Tips / Carl Harris / 26 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

"Rip Van Winkle is now a better horse than Delegator and he is my confident selection for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes."

Carl Harris can't see beyond the favourite in today's big race at Ascot...

It's been a good week, so far, and having moaned about the racing for most of it now we have the good stuff. Despite there being quality cards at Haydock and Chester I have decided to focus on an outstanding card at Ascot . I hope we finish the week off with a flourish.

The Royal Lodge is an important two year-old race and as usual has attracted a quality field. The stand out bet is Frozen Power (2:30) for Frankie Dettori and Godolphin. Although this is a step up in class he won a decent listed race at Deauville with the mile trip looking tailor made for the son of Oasis Dream. I think this will be another one for Godolphin who have a host of decent two-year-olds. Frozen Power can kick off the day with a winner for us.

It is Godolphin and Frankie Dettori who I think will land the fillies mile with Long Lashes (3:05). This race was won by Rainbow View last year who was the winter favourite for the 1000 Guineas, an important race. I am prepared to five her another chance, down in grade after finishing fourth in a group one last time out at the Curragh, which was on heavy ground which didn't suit. Back on a sound surface Long Lashes will run better and I take her to win the fillies' mile.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a small but select field with Ballydoyle going head to head with Godolphin. Rip Van Winkle (4:15) takes on Godolphin, both of whom won at Goodwood last time out. Rip Van Winkle was behind Delegator in the 2000 Guineas but was short of a run that day and has run with credit in group one races all season, winning the Sussex Stakes last time out. That was in a very good time and I think he is now a better horse than Delegator. Rip Van Winkle is my confident selection for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Carl Harris' Best Bets for Saturday 26th September

2.30 Ascot- Frozen Power @ [4.8], Win
3.05 Ascot- Long Lashes [4.3], Win
4.15 Ascot- Rip Van Winkle [1.67], Win