Continue your weekday punting with our Royal Ascot best bets on Day 1 of the Carnival, highlighting the key runners who are ready to help you end the week right.
ZEUS OLYMPIOS (9) is hard fit and ready to run a nice race third-up. Like a few others, he’s been competing in tougher company this prep, finding the cash in two runs over the mile at Sandown and Newbury leading in. Draws to get a little more running room this time away from the fence and is a definite each-way chance at odds.
OVERPASS (9) looks hard to beat on recent form. He’s been kept fresh for his last effort in the TJ Smith Stakes when two lengths off Joliestar and typically flies first-up with four wins and just as many placings to his name from 11 starts. He’s drawn a very wide alley but maps to get forward early in running and set himself up for a big dash home.
Unbeaten colt BOW ECHO (1) is tough to fault. He’s won four on the trot leading in and was devastatingly good in the 2000 Guineas Stakes last start, dropping right back in the run before unleashing with a powerful turn of foot to go nearly three lengths clear. With improvement still to come second-up, he’ll be very hard to beat in this small field.
VALIANCY (10) looks to have turned a serious corner for William Haggas and company. The wide gate is a slight concern, but he was a dominant winner last time out over slightly shorter where he saved his best for late. If he can find cover around midfield again and launch late, he’ll be a deserving winner of his hat trick.