Rakti odds-on for opening day glory

RAKTI is odds-on for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot at York today with connections hoping he will be in the same mood as he was for his phenomenal recent victory at Newbury.

Although he has been troublesome at times, the Michael Jarvis-trained six-year-old was on his best behaviour in last month’s Lockinge Stakes, where he smashed the course record by well over a second.

The horse has already won at the Royal meeting, having landed last season’s Prince Of Wales’s Stakes over 10 furlongs.

But he also took the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last year and he is sticking to a mile for the time being.

Rakti faces a rematch with Lockinge second and third Mac Love and Hurricane Alan on the Knavesmire today.

“He seems fit and well and looks bright,” said Jarvis. “The ground seems suitable and we are looking forward to a good run.

“Everything has gone right and I just hope that the horse that turns up at York is the same one that turned up at Newbury.”

Philip Robinson made almost every yard of the running at the Berkshire track last time.

Regarding tactics, the trainer said: “I’m not sure what we’ll do, but Philip has won five Group Ones on him and knows him very well. It depends on how the horse is and how the race pans out.”

Starcraft will be having his first run for Luca Cumani since arriving from Australia in the winter.

Cumani has been impressed by his new pupil, and said: “I think he is up to running a very good race, but I am under no illusion that we can beat Rakti as he is a very good horse who is in very good form.”

Pastoral Pursuits makes his seasonal reappearance in the £250,000 contest, with his stamina the main question mark.

Queen Anne Stakes betting:

Ladbrokes: 8-11 Rakti, 5-1 Valixir, 11-2 Starcraft, 14-1 Martillo, Pastoral Pursuits, 20-1 Hurricane Alan, Prince Kirk, 33-1 Mac Love, 40-1 Akimbo, 50-1 Babodana.

Cashmans: 4/5 Rakti, 11/2 Starcraft, Valixir, 14/1 Hurricane Alan, Martillo, 16/1 Pastoral Pursuits, 20/1 Prince Kirk.

Cashmans betting on other TV races at Royal Ascot/York:

2.30 - 5/2 To Sender, 3/1 Marcus Andronicus, 7/1 BA Foxtrot, Emirates Gold, 9/1 League Champion, 10/1 Red Clubs, 12/1 Amadeus Wolf.

3.05 - 4/1 The Tatling, 5/1 Var, 6/1 Cape of Good Hope, 8/1 Chineur, 9/1 Striking Ambition, Celtic Mill, 12/1 Benbaun, Orientor, 14/1 Boogie Street, Moss Vale.

3.45 - 5/2 Dubawi, Shamardal, 11/4 Indesatchel, 7/1 Oratorio, 10/1 Ad Valorem, 12/1 Kanditate.

4.55 - 9/2 Swift Sailor, 8/1 Coconut Beach, Leg Spinner, 10/1 Contact Dancer, 11/1 Golden Quest, Lowlander, 14/1 King Revo, Dr Sharp, 18/1 Ski Jump.