ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE TIPS: Force to be reckoned with despite low draw in sprint… while Hurricane Lane can return strongly from lay-off
- Sportsmail tipster SAM TURNER gives his take for day five at Royal Ascot
- Noble Truth could barely have been more impressive in Newmarket victory
- Charlie Appleby’s Creative Force has won two of his three races at the venue
- St Leger winner Hurricane Lane is clear form pick but has been off for 258 days
Sportsmail’s expert tipster Sam Turner delivers his verdict ahead of day five at Royal Ascot.
2.30: Alfred Munnings was made favourite for this soon after winning on debut but that victory was achieved in a modest time. In contrast, FINN’S CHARM won well at Musselburgh in a highly respectable time and offers better value. Faisal Road took the eye at Yarmouth.
Selection: FINN’S CHARM
Danger: FAISAL ROAD
Charlie Appleby’s Creative Force (above) has won two of his three races at Ascot
3.05: NOBLE TRUTH may not have beaten a great deal at Newmarket in April but could barely have been more impressive. Seven furlongs on fast ground look his optimum conditions. Star Girls Aalmal posted a career best in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and should appreciate this drop in trip.
Selection: NOBLE TRUTH
Danger: STAR GIRLS AALMAL
3.40: St Leger winner and Arc third HURRICANE LANE is the clear form pick but has been off for 258 days. Solid Stone has appeared as though a step up to 12f could produce further improvement, while Broome should be sharper for his comeback.
Selection: HURRICANE LANE
Danger: SOLID STONE
4.20: Stall one may not be ideal for CREATIVE FORCE but he has won two of three races at today’s venue. Given that Home Affairs boasted the quality to beat runaway King’s Stand winner Nature Strip two starts ago, he could take some beating in this sprint.
Selection: CREATIVE FORCE
Danger: HOME AFFAIRS
Hurricane Lane is the clear form pick in the Hardwicke Stakes but has been off for 258 days
5.00: Rohaan picked off FRESH in this event 12 months ago but the selection may exact some revenge as he appears in better form than his old adversary. Tabdeed ran a fine race in defeat at Haydock last time and should appreciate racing back over course and distance.
Selection: FRESH
Danger: TABDEED
5.35: Trainer George Boughey landed his first Royal Ascot winner with Inver Park this week and his Missed The Cut has a live chance in this one following two smooth wins. However, HONITON served notice he is a class act with a wide-margin maiden win at Sandown. Falling Shadow bolted up at Newbury and gives Godolphin a strong hand.
Selection: HONITON
Danger: FALLING SHADOW
6.10: The prospect of thunderstorms will be music to the ears of Trueshan’s connections after he missed Thursday’s Gold Cup because of fast ground. His participation relies on significant rain. CALLING THE WIND was second in this race last year and he should strip fitter for his recent comeback over an inadequate trip.
Selection: CALLING THE WIND
Danger: TRUESHAN
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
2.30 Finn’s Charm
3.05 Noble Truth
3.40 Hurricane Lane
4.20 Creative Force
5.00 Fresh (nb)
5.35 Honiton (nap)
6.10 Calling The Wind
GIMCRACK
2.30 Alfred Munnings
3.05 Dubawi Legend
3.40 Hurricane Lane (nb)
4.20 Campanelle (nap)
5.00 Popmaster
5.35 Missed The Cut
6.10 Trueshan
Newmarket – 3.40 Hurricane Lane (nap); 5.35 Missed The Cut (nb).