18th Jun 2013 | Royal Ascot
Lay of the Day: Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is an exceptional horse but he will have to overcome less than ideal conditions at Royal Ascot.
Winner of the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup, Animal Kingdom is one of the star attractions at Royal Ascot this week. The hype around the horse is therefore understandable but his price isn’t so enticing.
Animal Kingdom has lost both times he’s raced at a mile and on Ascot’s straight track he could get caught a little flat footed.
Breeders’ Cup Mile 2012
In last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, he ended up in a poor position as the race developed around the bend. Some will blame the jockey but Animal Kingdom took a few strides to quicken as his speedier rivals kicked for home.
I’d imagine his rivals will attempt a similar tactic this afternoon, Elusive Kate and/or Libranno might try steady the pace and turn the race into a sprint for the line, if John Velazquez isn’t wise to this move he could lose the race.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 09:02 18th Jun, 2013 but subject to change
