Royal Ascot 2016: Stars value in King Edward VII Stakes
Published:
David Metcalf | June 16, 2016
Across The Stars each-way value in King Edward VII Stakes
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute has an excellent record in the King Edward VII Stakes and his Across The Stars looks decent each-way value in a wide-open renewal of the Group 2 contest on day four of Royal Ascot (15.05).
The Newmarket handler has won the 1m 4f race on six occasions, with Hillstar being the last to land the spoils in 2013.
In Across The Stars he has a lightly raced and improving colt, who caught the eye on his penultimate outing when unlucky in-running 1 1/2 length third to Humphrey Bogart in the Derby trial at Lingfield.
The three-year-old was staying on strongly under pressure when getting badly hampered inside the final furlong, and there is little doubt in my mind that he would have gone very close to landing the spoils but for that interference.
Booking of Dettori a plus
It was a cracking effort, and Across The Stars has every chance of turning the tables on the winner and runner-up Carntop given how the race panned out.
Although the son of Sea Of Stars has since finished a well-beaten 10th of 16 to Harzand in the Investec Derby, his chance went when getting badly hampered early doors and the track didn’t appear to suit.
The return to a more conventional flatter track will be ideal, and with the in-form Frankie Dettori taking over in the saddle Across The Stars looks to have plenty going for him.
Beacon Rock a big player
Beacon Rock hails from the all-conquering yard of Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien and looks sure to go well.
The colt had some very useful form to his name as a juvenile last season, finishing third to stable companion Port Douglas in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes and a fine 1/2 length runner-up to Gifted Master in a similar grade affair at Newmarket on his final start of the campaign.
Beacon Rock then shaped as if badly in need of the run when when third on return to action, before putting in a much better effort when fourth to Moonlight Magic in the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.
Step up in trip will suit
The son of Galileo then got back to winning ways in last month’s Group 3 Gallinule Stakes over 1m 2f at the Curragh, making all and staying on strongly to score by two lengths.
Beacon Rock looks the type who could have even more to offer now stepped up in trip, and other pluses are that he is versatile as regards ground and has the services of Ryan Moore in the saddle.
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Coral’s top tip: Across The Stars looks worth an each-way wager given Sir Michael Stoute’s record in the race. Beacon Rock will appreciate the step up in trip and seems sure to make his presence felt.
