Duke Of Cambridge Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

Published on: 21/06/2017

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

June 21, 2016 15:40pm - Ascot, Berkshire

Royal Ascot 2017

Category: Group 2, Class 1

Distance: 1m

Going: Good to firm

Runners: 14

Winner: £ 114,271.00

Usherette prevailed here last year but has gone off the boil since. It might be a bit much to expect her to find that kind of form again after such an average season. She will be up against 2016 Coronation Stakes winner Qemah who has also failed to impress since returning.

With questions marks hanging over those two, the door could be open for a progressive horse such as Laugh ALoud who caught the attention with a classy win at Epsom last time out. This is a step up in class for the John Gosden-trained filly but she should be right at home in this company and has already proven that she has some killer pace in her locker.

Aside from those, Mick Channon will be hoping that Opal Tiara can continue to progress after impressing in Meydan on similar ground back in February. That was backed up by another strong run at the Curragh last time out in which the ground was against her. Being back on firmer ground will suit her well and at a huge price of 40/1, she looks like the perfect pick for those who fancy a long shot or some each-way value.

Betting odds and tips

There is plenty of buzz surrounding this race with an exciting contest expected. Laugh Aloud can be expected to go well and if Usherette and Qemah can rediscover their form of 12 months ago, there could be a tight three-way battle for top spot. However, with not much value at the sharp end of the market, a small each-way stake on Opal Tiara looks well worth taking.

You can back Opal Tiara each-way at a best price of 40/1 with Bet365.

Remember, Bet365 are offering guaranteed best odds on all Royal Ascot races and a 100% deposit bonus up to £200 for new accounts.

Duke Of Cambridge Stakes - Last three years:

2014: Integral - Ryan Moore (Sir Michael Stoute)

2015: Amazing Maria - James Doyle (David O`Meara)

2016: Usherette- Mickael Barzalona (Andre Fabre)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 21/06/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (21/06/2017 09:41:09) but are subject to change.