A late post today. Royal Ascot was very tough trying to pick the correct horse to back. I am not a massive fan of odds on shots, especially when everything looks against them. Stradavarious was a very easy winner, on ground that was not considered ideal, yet it was his easiest of his three Gold cup wins.

I did back Wichita today, although he got beat it was a good run again. The winner Palace Pier was given a great ride by Frankie Dettori, who is worth 5lb at the track. He just seems to know exactly when to make his move, and in the St James Palace Stakes, he galvanized his horse to collar the Godolphin trained Pinatubo close to the finish.

One horse I have had an interest bet on in the 8.40 Ripon is Dark Heart. He ran way out of his league last time, in a Derby trial, won by the horse I think will win the Derby. So a big drop to a handicap, this horse ran in a maiden at Lingfield back in February, I was at the races that day. He veered right on passing the stands, and lost all chance of winning, but I did make a note of him that day as one to follow, as he is a big strong horse, who will improve. If he handles the undulations of Ripon, he has a live chance tonight, as his 10 stone will not inconvenience, this big unit.