King Stand Stakes

A race which down the years has been won by some impressive sprinters. Three which spring to mind are, starting with Mitcham who landed a memorable gamble for The Duke in 1999, and in 2001 it was the turn of the classy race-mare Cassandra Go. Choisir took this race in 2003 before landing an historical double in the Golden Jubilee later in the week, thus putting the Australian sprinters on the map.
Over the study period of the last ten years there is no information to be gleaned as to the likely age of the winner other than it is unlikely a horse 8 or older will triumph [3yo x 2, 4yo x 2, 5yo x 3, 6yo x 1, 7yo x 2]

Whilst acknowledging one of the studied races took place at York, during Ascot’s renovation, it can be said that the draw is an important factor in the Kings Stand. 7 out of the 10 winners have emerged from a stall 8 or lower, with horses drawn middle to high seemingly disadvantaged. Indeed Takeover Target last year was the first horse since 2000 to exploit a double figure stall.

Another telling factor when you decide upon your punt would seem to be the horse’s last time out performance. No fewer than 6 of the 10 winners won their previous start so, and no winner had finished worse than 6th last time out. So, despite the fact half of the 10 winners went off at SPs of 16/1 or greater, you are looking for a runner in decent, and preferably winning form.

A lack of course winning form should not be seen as a disadvantage - only 2 of the 10 winners studied had such past form - but distance winning form seems to be essential - only 1 winner had not won over the 5f trip before.

Other observations I have made are that success in this event is split 50-50 between UK trainers and Overseas trainers [3 France, 2 Australia ], with the Irish failing to find one good enough.

7 of the 10 winners were coming off a recent run [within last 30 days], whilst 2 of the 3 who had had longer layoffs were the Australian pair, both of which came straight from the big 6f Newmarket Handicap run in March at Flemington - this year Miss Andretti comes fresh from winning that very race, run at Caulfield this year.{mosimage}

At the time of writing there are still 37 runners declared for the race and with one the most important factors, the draw, yet to be decided, an Ante-Post bet is a bit of a minefield. However I have whittled the field down to a personal shortlist of 3, albeit the layers prices reflect the good chances I think they have.

My main fancy is the Aussie raider:

MISS ANDRETTI - in wonderful form, completing the hat-trick in the aforementioned Newmarket Handicap in Australia , that race compatriots Choisir and Takeover Target ran in before the Kings Stand. Has won on Soft, Good and Firm going. 6/1

Whilst, depending on going, I like the chances of the following two:

TAX FREE - seems to be on an upward curve this season, putting in arguably his career best last time out at Naas defeating Dandy Man by a length, following his maiden Group 3 win the time before. If the ground is Good or Softer will have a good chance. 10/1

BENBAUN - wonderfully consistent gelding who finished a short head second in this race last year. Won a Group 3 at The Curragh last time out, defeating Moss Vale easily by 2 1/2L. Hard to keep out of the frame if he gets his favoured Good - Good/Firm going. 9/1

Norton’s Advice:
2pts Win – Miss Andretti @ 6/1 with

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