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Time for a Divinely good Ribblesdale bet

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Divinely was no match for Snowfall in the Oaks, but can go two places better at Royal Ascot.

THERE has been no more impressive performance on the Flat so far this season than Snowfall’s 16-length demolition job in the Oaks.

Yet while Frankie Dettori was out in the clear saluting the crowds as he sluiced up the stand’s side rail, DIVINELY was withering her way through a mud-splattered field late on to finish third.

Jockey Seamie Heffernan gave her plenty to do on the Downs, while he probably knew a place was the best result on offer as there was no chance of getting a more favourable position on the rail. 

The manner in which she stayed on through horses was taking and the 9/2 on offer for her to take a step forward and land the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes (3:40pm) looks more than fair.

Favourite Noon Star is brilliantly bred, by Galileo out of the great Midday, so has to be respected, but I don’t see her having much stronger claims than Divinely and she’s a fair bit shorter at 3/1.

Gloria Mundi and Eshaada are the fancy, unexposed fillies who could be set to blossom on Royal Ascot’s big stage, but we’re yet to know how strong the form of their Listed duel at Newbury is.

Later in the day, make sure you’ve got a pin or two at the ready for the fiendishly competitive 30-runner Britannia Stakes (5:00pm).

If one of those lands on AIR TO AIR you look to be in with a good shout.

Given a typical Jamie Spencer hold-up ride at Doncaster fortnight ago, he won very cosily and appeared to have a bit up his sleeve.

As long as all of the doors open at the right time, he’ll be a big danger and looks a good bet at 8/1.

Given the nature of this race it’s often worth having one drawn on either side as you can never be too sure which group will have the advantage.

Air To Air is in stall eight so I’m going to take a chance on 18/1-shot PEROTTO from stall 19.

The son of New Bay has been raised a pound for his latest win over seven furlongs at Goodwood and he could make a mockery of that on his first attempt at a mile.

POINTERS

Divinely                3:40 Royal Ascot

Air To Air e/w    5:00 Royal Ascot

Perotto e/w        5:00 Royal Ascot