Saturday Lucky 15: Royal Ascot and Ulster Derby day at Down Royal We have some competitive action this weekend in racing with the conclusion of the 2026 Royal Ascot meeting, and we also have the Ulster Oaks and Derby in Down Royal. Here are four selections that can be put into a Lucky 15 for the weekend. Hardwicke Stakes: Goliath Starting off, we have Goliath in the 15:05 Hardwicke Stakes. This race looks to be an absolute belter on paper. We have the likes of Goliath, Kalpana, Ethical Diamond, Santorini Star, and the globetrotting Giavellotto, but for me, I feel the winner will come in Goliath. Now, Goliath was a shock winner of the 2024 King George and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes when easing to victory over the likes of Bluestocking, Rebel's Romance, and Auguste Rodin. I feel that Goliath may have lost his form somewhat since then, struggling to find victory, but he was extremely impressive and looked back to his best in the Grand Prix de Chantilly on the 31st of May, where he was given an extremely confident and cool ride by jockey Christophe Soumillon, who retains the partnership with this horse. I just felt that he was back to his best, and on conditions that he will like, I feel this horse has a massive chance at odds of 6/1, which I feel are big enough for the contest that it is. Avicenna: Jersey Stakes In the 16:20, I like one at a price for the Roger Varian and Ray Dawson combination with Avicenna in the Jersey Stakes. He is a well put together son of Starspangledbanner and was extremely impressive in his first two starts, and he looked to improve when a good second in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket before tackling the 2000 Guineas, where he disappointed. But I'd be willing to put a line through that, as he just was never involved and has clearly shown he is a better horse. The form of the trainer and jockey in recent weeks is eye-catching, and I must say the drop back to 7 furlongs will definitely suit this horse. Ulster Oaks: Chica Guerrera Heading to Down Royal, we have the Ulster Oaks and Derby, and we start off with the Ulster Oaks. I like the chances of Chica Guerrera and now Epsom Derby-winning rider Ronan Whelan. She has been a model of consistency this season, and I was really impressed with her run in Sligo when she was beaten a length and a half behind Lady Marion. The third in the race has come out since and won. Again, she improved when fourth in Leopardstown on the 15th of May. I feel she may have been in front a bit too early on this occasion, and that's what cost her in the end. But once again, she backed that up with another good run when running well in Gowran Park on the 1st of June, so she is definitely fit and ready and has a nice racing weight for this contest. I feel this may have been a bit of a plan for the trainer, and she is a filly that definitely has plenty of upside. I'd be surprised if she didn't go close in this contest. Ulster Derby: Trojan Fighter For the final selection in the Lucky 15, I look at the Ulster Derby and I like the chances of Trojan Fighter for Billy Lee and Paddy Twomey. This horse was a very impressive winner of a maiden in Ballinrobe on the 8th of May, where he was up on the pace and quite comfortably beat Ballyadam by seven lengths, who has gone on to gain victory since in Listowel. I feel the trip will definitely suit this horse. His next run was then in Navan, where he was behind Limestone, and Limestone was a very good winner of the Queen's Vase at Ascot. So the form of that race has been boosted. I just feel that the trip will suit this horse and that he is good enough to take out a contest like this, and he receives weight off New Zealand in the contest, who is sure to be a favourite on the day. I feel that this horse can improve again as he is lightly raced. Sign up to TonyBet's welcome offer below ahead of the action
