22 June 2023 , 17:10
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HIT the bullseye with MARKSMAN QUEEN (5.00) in the Sandringham Stakes.
She won her first two races and only lost her unbeaten record when poorly positioned in the rear before staying on into second behind all-the-way winner Tamarama at Kempton a couple of weeks ago.
That was her handicap debut and she’s clearly kicked off with a nice weight. The hood she wore at Kempton seemed to help her settle and this big-field handicap promises to suit her perfectly.
This will be her first run on turf but that’s not a worry as horses who do well on the all-weather tend to translate their best form at Ascot.
She’s got a low weight so it’s great John and Thady Gosden have snapped up Hollie Doyle for the ride. Have 1pt each-way at 14-1. A couple of bookies are paying out on seven places with Sky Bet going eight.
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MAKSUD (3.40) hasn’t won since his debut last year but he looks primed to run a huge race in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes.
He is just the type to enjoy the demands of this race. His career-best effort came in a red-hot Goodwood handicap last season when runner-up behind Secret State.
He had a little chance on his return to action on testing ground at Chester in May as he was held up in a race that was dominated by those that raced on the pace.
The faster ground will also suit him much better. Have 3pts each-way at 8-1 with five placed up for grabs.
THE BIG BOARD (6.10) seemed to have improved over the winter when landing a decent Leicester handicap on her comeback.
That was over 6f but horses with form over that trip have a good record in the shorter 5f Palace Of Holyrood House Stakes.
With Oisin Murphy taking over in the saddle for the first time, she looks worth backing in an open race. Have 1pt each-way at 22-1 with most bookies paying six places.
NAVASSA ISLAND (2.30) should have beaten Porta Fortuna on her debut in a Naas Group 3. That race has a record of throwing up top-class winners.
It was an astonishing performance first time out and Michael O’Callaghan’s filly looks to have a leading chance in the Albany Stakes. Have 2pts to win at 5-1.