Value Scope: Each way horseracing tips from Steve Jones for Saturday on ITV. The Royal Hunt Cup is a fertile source of value on the second day of the five-day festival, and our ace tipster's recommendation is one of four selections for Wednesday.
Excellent Believe in the Royal Hunt Cup
Feel the need to Believe in the Royal Hunt Cup. EXCELLENT BELIEVE (5.00) has the class required to win this charge down the straight mile. He won his only start in a handicap last summer when successful at Haydock, and he went on to chase home smart miler Zeus Olympios in a Group 2 at the same track. His third behind Group 1 winner Docklands in the Doncaster Mile was a decent starting point to this season, considering the small field did not play to his strengths. It was a similar story in a Leopardstown Listed contest last month, and he promises to love this big-field handicap. With Ryan Moore's son Toby taking off his 7lbs apprentice's weight claim, it is worth having 1pt each-way at 28-1. Sky Bet is paying out on eight places.
Snellen in the Kensington Palace Stakes
SNELLEN (3.40) has shown some of her best form at Ascot. She won the Chesham Stakes at this meeting as a two-year-old, and she came within a length of landing the competitive Kensington Palace Stakes when runner-up 12 months ago. Her victory in a Leopardstown Group 3 contest underlined her progressive nature, and she kicked off this season with an excellent third in a 7f Group 3 at the same track last month. That trip is on the short side, and it should have put the edge on her for today's contest. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1. Most firms are offering four places.
Oolong Poobong for the Kensington Palace Stakes
OOLONG POOBONG (5.35) is another runner with Royal Ascot history. She was first home of those drawn on the stands' side when fourth in the Sandringham Stakes at last year's meeting. Her first run since came when fourth at Thirsk last month, when she looked badly in need of the run. The Kensington Palace Stakes looks an ideal race for Ed Bethell's filly, and she has Jamie Spencer in the saddle. He rides Ascot's straight course as well as anyone, and there is plenty of pace drawn near her far-side stall. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1. A few bookies are going six places.
Sale Shark in the Windsor Castle Stakes
The Windsor Castle Stakes is run over 6f for the first time this year, and the change in race conditions should suit SALE SHARK (6.10). He won well over 5f on his debut at Hamilton, and the speed he showed in that race three weeks ago gives him an edge over this longer trip. Have 1pt each-way at 12-1. Sky Bet go five places.
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