Following two winners in Wednesday’s column, Kevin Blake returns with three key selections for day four of Royal Ascot, all of which will be featured on Sky Sports Racing.
With momentum on his side after a successful second day, Blake is looking to capitalize on his current form and turn a steady week into a dominant one by securing a string of victories before the meeting concludes.
The Commonwealth Cup (15:05) typically draws a massive field of three-year-old sprinters, and this year is no exception. While Karl Burke’s Venetian Sun is priced shortly following a dominant win in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, she appears overvalued in a field that is deeper than the current market suggests.
The value play here is Aidan O’Brien’s CHARLES DARWIN. The son of No Nay Never showed immense promise when defeating the subsequent Group 1 winner Wise Approach in last year’s Norfolk Stakes, before a setback prematurely ended his season. Though he returned with a win at Navan, a poor performance in a Group 3 at Naas seemed to damage his reputation. However, jockey Ryan Moore noted that the horse hit a ridge and lost his action, leading him to be eased down—a run that should be completely disregarded.
Excluding that outing, he remains one of the primary contenders for this event. Now equipped with first-time blinkers, he represents significant value at his current odds.
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In the Sandringham Stakes (17:00), a fiercely competitive handicap, the pick is Donnacha O’Brien’s GLYFADA.
The daughter of Camelot has won two of her three starts, but her most recent victory at Killarney was particularly revealing; she appeared perfectly suited by the drop back to a mile. Given her fast-striding nature, the distance seems ideal, and she showed a genuine relish for the trip.
The expected high pace and available cover in this race should play directly to her strengths, and it would be no surprise to see her make a significant leap forward. She is a highly intriguing contender.
Finally, the King Edward VII Stakes (17:35) features several promising three-year-olds, but the standout selection is Aidan O’Brien’s CAUSEWAY.
The son of Wootton Bassett has shown consistent progression. His trainer has taken a patient approach this season, beginning with a handicap win over seven furlongs in the Madrid Handicap, followed by a Listed victory over a mile at the Curragh, and most recently a win in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes.
Characterized by a slow stride and a relaxed demeanor, he possesses the physical profile to excel over this mile-and-a-half trip. He is a highly appealing colt, and it is surprising that he is not currently the favorite.
