Fran Berry: Aussie contacts tell me Coolangatta one to avoid
Fran Berry’s put punters off backing Australian raider Coolangatta in the King’s Stand Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot 2023.
It’s a fascinating race with British and American entries as well, but the Aussie contender features highly in the antepost betting and is a well-fancied second fav behind Highfield Princess.
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But, speaking on Paddy’s Royal Ascot Preview Show, Fran revealed his contacts from Down Under think she might struggle to even get the 5f distance.
“It’s hard to weigh up Coolangatta’s form compared to the field as he’s coming across from Australia,” Fran said, “But my Aussie contacts say that she’s not in the same league as others who have preformed well here in recent years.
“The stiff 5f might also find her out in the last 100m. She could be one to travel well, look like a winner to and then fall out of camera in the final furlong.
“Cannonball shouldn’t be good enough based on his Australian form but they’re both interesting challengers and it’s good to have them up here.
“It’s interesting to see so many three years olds in the betting as they don’t have a good record in the last 10 years in this race. Highfield Princess is definitely the one to beat.”
The latest racing odds are on PaddyPower.com nowTimeform’s Billy Nash, who was also on the panel, doesn’t fancy the three year old’s chances either.
“I’d agree with Fran about Coolangatta,” He explained. “She won the Lightning Stakes in Flemington last time out and Flemington’s 5 furlong track is a bare, bare 5 furlongs.
“I don’t think, actually, it’s the full 5 furlongs and it’s a really fast track. A stiff 5f at Ascot might be a different kettle of fish for her.”
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*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing / Ante-post prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Ante-post rules.
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