Royal Ascot 2013 begins with Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby and the 2013 Dubai World Cup, aiming for victory in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes.
Graham Motion’s 5-year-old is as short as even money for the contest, largely as a result of the lack of perceived serious competition amongst his rivals. Paddy Power is offering to pay money back on all losers if Animal Kingdom wins, so one way to play it would be to look for an each-way selection at bigger prices such as Elusive Kate (John Gosden) or Trade Storm (David Simcock). Under Paddy Power’s offer, if Animal Kingdom does win then the win part of the each-way bet will be refunded, whilst you would pick up the place bet winnings if the selection makes second or third place.
Shea Shea, trained by South African Mike De Kock, has travelled over for the King’s Stand Stakes after a successful spell at Meydan, Dubai earlier in the year. Kingsgate Native, Swiss Spirit, Reckless Abandon and Sole Power all contested the Temple Stakes at Haydock last month but the places could be reversed here.
Jim Bolger’s Dawn Approach is 6/4 favourite for the St James’s Palace Stakes as the colt goes back to a mile after his antics in the Epsom Derby last time. He had several of his rivals well behind him in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket – including Glory Awaits and Toronado – and his nearest rival in the betting, Magician, reportedly had a minor setback last week.
Betting Offers
Betfair: Cash back specials on selection finishing second to Shea Shea in the King’s Stand Stakes
Paddy Power: Money back on all losers if Animal Kingdom wins the Queen Anne Stakes
Skybet: Paying four places on the King’s Stand Stakes and Windsor Castle Stakes
*terms and conditions apply to all offers
