17th Jun 2011 | Royal Ascot
Wokingham Tip: Imperial Guest
Has an excellent record at the track and much better over six furlongs. Winner last time out.
Low numbers is the place to focus in the Wokingham with the pace horses drawn on the far side. In stall nine I’m going for course specialist Imperial Guest.
The two things this horse needs is a big field and Ascot racecourse. When racing at the track with fields of 16 or more runners, his record is: 3731. The unplaced effort was when drawn on the wrong side but he still won ‘his race’.
Despite mainly running over seven furlongs, his best trip is a truly run six. He proved this on his only run in 2011 when winning a hot handicap over course and distance. Always travelling well, he was the last off the bridle and although Wokingham favourite Deacon Blues gave him a scare, he was never getting past.
Trainer George Margarson targeted this race last year but Imperial Guest’s rating wasn’t high enough. He has waited two years for this opportunity. Jockey Philip Robinson takes the ride and has a 33% strike rate for the yard.
At 25/1 he has a better chance than his odds suggest.
*ODDS UPDATE: Imperial Guest has been backed since he was tipped. He is now a best price 22/1 with Bet365.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:14 17th Jun, 2011 but subject to change