2009 ROYAL ASCOT BETTING FOR THE QUEEN ANNE STAKES

In the Queen Anne Stakes, which runs on the opening day of June 16, we have some fairly tight congestion within the top 3 favourites. Gladiatorus, Paco Boy and Main Aim are some distance ahead of the other contenders and you may have a decent shot at a combination tri-cast- a fact exacerbated by the limited field. At the moment, there's only 10 runners in this one and I expect at least one to be named a non-runner. Gladiatorus had a great run at Nad Al Sheba earlier in the year and absolutely stuffed everybody he ran against. This American 4 year-old is looking for his fourth strike on the bounce and victories over some impressive contenders make this horse a very appealing bet even with his 2/1 antepost price. I think he's more or less a lock for this one and it will be his race to lose. If he runs as well as he can, there is nobody else who can touch jim. You really can't argue with lifetime earnings of £2,389,700 for a four year-old. To me, Paco Boy looks like his best days may be behind him, and a loss to Gladiatorus at Nad Al Sheba in late March doesn't do much for my confidence. He's 2nd place favourite at 3/1 and I would suggest stay away until the market actually kicks into gear on raceday. Use him for your exotic bets, but I don't fancy him on an each-way at that price. Main Aim is a lightly raced four year-old who's had an undefeated 2009 season so far with victories at Newbury and Haydock. He's got pace and the backing of Sir Michael Stoute and I fancy him for a place bet here. I'll also be using him to round off my straight tricast. Other contenders include Virtual at 8/1, Alexandros, Cesare and Aqlaam at 10/1. Arabian Gleam and Dream Eater sit at 25/1 with Mac Love listed at a 40/1 price.