Ascot / Jake Norton / 15 June 2011 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Jake Norton's Royal Ascot day one review and day two preview.

Day one of the Royal Ascot had everything, from a stirring battle between two champion milers, a brilliant short-course sprint performance and a three-year-old classic victory that had to be seen to be believed.

But by no means were the amazing deeds restricted to the turf.

As many a Betfair customer could attest, the action among the world's biggest community of punters was equally as remarkable on the Royal meeting's opener, foreboding a wonderful four days still to come.

Day one highlights included:

Queen Anne Stakes

Winner Canford Cliffs went off at a Betfair SP of $2.48, shaded by Goldikova, who tumbled under the weight of tonnes of money to start a $2.30 favourite.

Despite always posing a threat, Canford Cliffs was backed as high as $6.40 in the run. Meanwhile, runner-up Goldikova and third-placed Cityscape were matched at $1.51 and $2.08 respectively when each loomed to win.

King's Stand Stakes

Australian representative Star Witness jumped at a Betfair SP of $7.90, a stark contrast to the $4 TAB Sportsbet closing fixed odds price.

In an open betting race, he was joined by Kingsgate Native ($6.57), Prohibit ($7.24) and Sole Power ($9) all starting at prices under double figures.

Eventual winner Prohibit was matched at the massive mid-race odds of $250 when buried away back in the field. Conversely, third-placed Sweet Sanette met with a low matched price of $1.25 when she looked the winner inside the final furlong.

Looking ahead - So You Think

So You Think aims for his second international Group 1 success tonight (AEDT) in the Prince of Wales's Stakes.

Matched at high odds of $12.50 in Betfair's ante post market, where he accounted for some 85% of money traded, So You Think is now a $1.43 favourite to win the Prince of Wales's ($1.30 TAB fixed odds).

A flying start for Timeform

Betfair is providing its Australian customers with free access to Timeform's rating assessments and tips for the entire Royal Ascot festival, which began with a bang on day one.

Winning recommendations included:

• Power (Betfair SP $8.60) - rated 4lbs clear on top and considered a "Horse In
Focus" in the Coventry Stakes
• Veiled (BSP $7.20) - top-rated in the Ascot Stakes
• Frederick Engels (BSP $3.57) - joint top-rated in the Windsor Castle Stakes
• Frankel (BSP $1.32) - clear top-rated in the St James's Palace
• Canford Cliffs was also the 4th winning Nap from 5 for Timeform's TV Focus