Momentary can shine for Bell on Day 3 at Royal Ascot

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Published 00:24 21.06.2012

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Michael Bell's unexposed Momentary is fancied to land the Ribblesdale Stakes at 3.05 on another high class day of action at Royal Ascot.

The day begins with a run-of-the-mill renewal of the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. Cay Verde has experience of the track and gets the vote on the back of his taking Curragh success. The once-raced maiden winners Reckless Abandon and Ahern make most appeal amongst the remainder in a race that appears quantity over quality.

Momentary is the sporting nap in the second race, taken to build on the promise of his Newbury victory. He was a 33-1 chance that day but there was no fluke about the way he saw of Shirocco Star (subsequently second in the Oaks), and this step up in trip is certain to suit. The Fugue is sure to be popular after appearing to given a great deal to do at Epsom (dropped out and well off the pace when asked to close switched wide), and Vow remains open to improvement after just three career starts, (frontrunning may be more effective at this venue).

In the Ascot Gold Cup at 3.45 Fame And Glory will be a tough nut to crack. He was a most impressive winner of this event twelve months ago and looks the one to beat again after making a winning comeback in a listed race at Navan last month. Saddler's Rock rates a serious danger over a trip that will suit, while Godolphin pair Opinion Poll and Colour Vision are also worthy of consideration.

The Brittania Handicap is a typically wide open and competitive contest with the layers offering 10-1 the field this morning. Frog Hollow wouldn't have to improve much for first-time blinkers and will relish the forecast rain if it has got into the ground by now. He is a token selection, while Prinze Alzain is another who needs considering after an eye-catching effort last time. Michael Bell has had a first and second in this in the last five years and Born To Surprise completes the shortlist.

The Group 3 Tercentenary Stakes affords an excellent opportunity for Wroxham Heath to earn some black type. He only scrambled home at Epsom last time, but appeared not to handle the undulating track especially well when let down and maybe a good deal better than the bare result. Main danger comes from Mukhadram who only won a maiden at Newmarket but hails from the very astute Haggas yard and really impressed with the manner of that victory.

The King George V Stakes is another wide open contest and punters are advised to check out the early results to see if conditions have eased significantly. The well-drawn Pilgrims Rest gets the nod for Richard Hannon but dangers abound, headed by Anomaly, Gabrial The Great and Uriah Heep.

In summary, a superb days racing and Momentary appeals the best value at around 12-1 this morning. He was unfancied when winning last time out, but found plenty for pressure and is sure to be helped by a step upto 1m4f under the excellent Hayley Turner.

Stephen's Thursday Nap Momentary 3.05 Royal Ascot

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