Royal Ascot Day Four: In-Depth Analysis and leading Contenders
Mount Atlas: Overcoming a Weight Hurdle with Proven Class
MOUNT ATLAS enters the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (3.40) carrying an extra 4lb following his fifth-place finish in the Ormonde Stakes,which slightly complicates his prospects. Despite this, he remains a formidable candidate for a significant handicap triumph this season.
Last year, Mount Atlas secured victory in the John Guest Handicap over the same course and distance by expertly navigating a slow early pace-a race that later proved to be highly competitive. his ability to handle tactical races at Ascot is well established.
This season, he has demonstrated encouraging form under challenging conditions. At NewmarketS Old Rowley Cup, he stayed close to the leaders but was eventually outpaced by an improving rival while comfortably holding off others.
His seasonal debut at Kempton saw him finish fourth behind stablemate Teumessias Fox in the Rosebery Handicap; he showed early aggression but faded against horses ridden more conservatively in the closing stages.
the Ormonde Stakes effort was respectable considering all four horses ahead were rated 110 or above. Although his official rating has risen to 102 as a result,Mount Atlas benefits from a favorable high draw and could replicate last year’s success if his jockey times their challenge perfectly.
Miss Nightfall: Speedy Front-Runner with Stamina Questions for One Mile
MISS NIGHTFALL, contesting the Sandringham Stakes (5.00), presents some uncertainty regarding her stamina over one mile despite possessing an ideal running style for Ascot’s straight track layout.If she can sustain her energy throughout, she is expected to be competitive.
Her recent performances at Goodwood over seven furlongs revealed signs of late-race fatigue-onc due to heavy ground turning into a demanding test and another time hampered by traffic issues during her seasonal return against fitter rivals.
A speed-oriented pedigree might cast doubt on her staying power; however,as a two-year-old at Doncaster she completed one mile strongly with an notable final furlong speed figure-the fastest segment recorded that day-indicating potential adaptability as she matures into three years old.
A hold-up racing style combined with sharp acceleration makes Miss Nightfall well-suited for Ascot’s configuration; if fully fit and able to maintain stamina through one mile, expect her to feature prominently among contenders.
Regal Ulixes: A Dark Horse With Untapped Potential in King Edward VII Stakes
REGAL ULIXES, running in the King Edward VII Stakes (5.35), may not immediately appear as top favorite based on form so far but shows promising signs of hidden ability heading into this event.
The colt made an impressive debut last September when finishing third in a strong Class 2 maiden at Goodwood over one mile-a race whose subsequent results have confirmed its quality-and followed up with victory in Haynes Hanson & Clark Stakes after joining trainer andrew Balding’s yard mid-2023.
This prior form is somewhat complex due to small fields and varying competition levels; though timing splits from those races compare favorably against othre events held together on those cards. notably, the runner-up from that win later placed second convincingly at group level upon reappearance-adding credibility here.
A delayed start this season saw Regal Ulixes return recently at Doncaster where he finished strongly from off-the-pace behind Daiquiri Bay over ten furlongs-suggesting possible enhancement stepping up towards twelve furlongs despite some questions about stamina based on stride analysis patterns observed so far.
Connections’ choice not simply target handicaps using his opening mark of 94 indicates confidence that he can exceed expectations here.
With Oisin Murphy aboard amid generous odds available, Regal Ulixes represents an intriguing betting proposition worth careful consideration given potential upside versus experience limitations within large fields currently faced.
Tactical Overview: Key Royal Ascot Selections Ranked by Confidence
- Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (3:40 PM): MOUNT ATLAS – 1pt win @9-1 general odds
- Sandringham stakes (5:00 PM): MISS NIGHTFALL – 1pt win @12-1 &11-1 general odds
- King Edward VII Stakes (5:35 PM): REGAL ULIXES – 1pt each-way @25-1 general odds
Addendum – Earlier Recommended Selection:
- Straight Mile Albany Stakes Winner: FITZELLA – confidently advised previously @14-1 &10-1 general odds for Friday’s Albany stakes;
“Mount Atlas’ resilience paired with astute positioning could enable him to defy weight penalties once again.”
“Miss Nightfall combines raw speed with latent endurance-the perfect blend for tackling Ascot’s unique demands.”
“Regal Ulixes remains enigmatic yet promising under expert training and skilled jockeyship.”
