Timeform Radio Tips: Ballad to get a Stirring reception

Can Stirring Ballad hit the mark at Ascot?

Steve Mellish reckons he's found three winners on Wednesday at Royal Ascot...

First up is Garswood in the opener, the Jersey Stakes. The Fahey yard hit the crossbar with a couple of seconds yesterday and are clearly in good heart and Garswood has strong claims of going one better. It could be unwise to judge him on his lacklustre 7th in the Guineas last time, as he was never travelling with any fluency and underperformed. He'd been very impressive over today's trip in the Free Handicap on his previous start, looking every inch a Group class performer. He ran well the one time he raced at Ascot as a 2-y-o, so there are no problems with the track and 7f looks his optimum for the time being.
 
The Royal Hunt Cup is wide open but Stirring Ballad looks to have most of the qualities needed. Andrew Balding's filly has performed with credit in Listed company the last twice despite both those races being moderately run. She's at her best coming off a strong gallop and she should certainly get that today. Stall 3 could be a problem (stands side runners held sway on the opening day) but I'm not yet convinced of any bias and if it is a level playing field she should go well.
 
The final bet comes in the Queen Mary, where Rizeena is fancied to gain a third career win. This looks a hot renewal with all bar two of the 24 runners having scored at least once but none boast better form than Clive Brittain's filly. She showed a straightforward, no nonsense attitude when taking a Sandown Listed race last month and the horse who followed her home at a respectable distance, Andhesontherun, wasn't beaten all that far in the Windsor Castle, despite not getting the clearest of runs.
 
SELECTIONS:
14:30 Garswood - back
16:25 Stirring Ballad - back
17:00 Rizeena - back

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