The Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Saturday 23 June) was first run in 1868, though it didn’t take its present name until 2012 when it was used to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is currently a Group 1 Race run over six-furlongs and is open to any horse aged four or older. It used to be open to three-year-olds, but they can now run in the Commonwealth Cup a day earlier. Famous winners of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes include Danehill, Owington, Royal Applause, Choisir, Black Caviar, Twilight Son, and The Tin Man.
Diamond Jubilee 2018 10-Year-Trends
- James Fanshawe has trained two of the last seven winners
- Tom Queally has ridden two of the last nine winners
- Two favourites and one joint-favourite have been successful
- SP’s have ranged from 1/6 to 33/1
- The last seven winners have been aged four or five
- Winners have been rated between 111 and 132
Diamond Jubilee 2018 Main Contenders
Harry Angel
On a mark of 125, Harry Angel is rated 6lb+ higher than his rivals here. However, the reason why he’s not shorter in the betting is he has yet to win at Ascot in four visits, whilst he’s won all his other starts. However, he was second to Caravaggio in last year’s Commonwealth Cup and the third Blue Point boosted that form with a win in Tuesday’s King’s Stand Stakes.
Merchant Navy
Former high-class Aussie sprinter that has been transferred to Aidan O’Brien so he can have a crack at some of England’s top sprints. Drifted in the market before making a winning debut for O’Brien, which has to be a good sign. However, he was beaten by Redkirk Warrior in Australia in March, when receiving 12lb from that rival and he has to race off level-weights here.
Redkirk Warrior
Formerly a decent 10-furlongs horse that was trained in Britain by William Haggas. He was then sent to race in Hong Kong. Has since been transferred to Australia where he has been turned into a sprinter by his new trainer, and a very good one on the form of his two runs this season. Aussie horse also have a good record in the race in recent seasons.
The Tin Man
Very capable sprinter who won last year’s renewal for James Fanshawe and Tom Queally and looks primed for a repeat after winning a Listed Race at Windsor last time. The form of that win was also boosted by the runner-up D’Bai next time. This does look a stronger renewal than last season but he has recorded three wins from six runs at Ascot and is likely to be on the premises at the end of the race.
Bound For Nowhere
American trained sprinter who finished fourth in last year’s Commonwealth Cup. However, he was over three-lengths behind Harry Angel that day. Been in good form this season but no reason why he should finish in front of Harry Angel.
Diamond Jubilee 2018 Summary
A win for Harry Angel would come as no surprise considering his rating and overall level of form, but he does tend to find at least one too good for him here at Ascot. Therefore, an each-way bet on Redkirk Warrior could be the way to go as he’s looked strong at the finish in his races this year and he has plenty of stamina if Harry Angel starts to flounder near the end.
Diamond Jubilee 2018 Tip: Redkirk Warrior (each-way)