Albany Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

Published on: 23/06/2017

Albany Stakes - Royal Ascot 2017

June 23, 2016 14:30pm - Ascot, Berkshire

Royal Ascot 2017

Category: Fillies Group 3, Class 1

Distance: 6f

Going: Good to firm

Runners: 21

Winner: £ 45,368.00

The Albany Stakes is a Group 3 race open to two-year-old fillies. It is run over a distance of 6 furlongs (1,207 metres) and was first established in 2002. Originally a listed race, it gained Group 3 status in 2005.

Fairyland is one of two entries from the in-form Wesley Ward yard and is expected to progress well following her maiden win at Keeneland. A decent draw should also help her as she makes the step up in trip.

One horse that challenge Fairyland is Alpha Centauri. Early concerns about the draw have been allayed as the action has unfolded this week and the daughter of Mastercraftsman should receive plenty of backing following her pair of wins in Naas over this distance when she twice beat rival Actress, who also goes here. An impressive speed merchant, she looks set to progress and represents fair value at 5/2.

Speaking of Actress, she was only narrowly beaten in her maiden race and backed it up with a win at the Curragh. She followed Alpha Centauri home for a second time at Naas, although the ground was not to her liking that day, and looks a good shout for an each-way place here on firmer ground.

Betting odds and tips

Fairyland looks like a real prospect but has yet to be tested over this distance. While she can be expected to make the step up with ease, she might just struggle to outpace Alpha Centauri heading into the final yards.

Meanwhile, Actress is wirth an each-way punt at 66/1.

You can back Alpha Centauri at a price of 5/2 with Bet365, while Actress is available at 66/1 with the same bookmaker.

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

Albany Stakes - Last three years:

2014: Cursory Glance - Andrea Atzeni (Roger Varian)

2015: Illuminate - Richard Hughes (Richard Hannon Jr.)

2016: Brave Anna - Seamie Heffernan (Aidan OBrien)

By Neil Morris

Published on: 23/06/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (23/06/2017 09:11:26) but are subject to change.