royal ascot 2012 - day four
2012 Royal Ascot Day Four - Friday, June 22nd
| Approx. Post Time ET/PT | Race | Class | Distance |
| 9:30am/6:30am | The Albany Stakes | Group 3 | 6f |
| 10:05am/7:05am | The King Edward VII Stakes | Group 2 | Group 2 |
| 10:45am/7:45am | The Coronation Stakes | Group 1 | 1 mile |
| 11:25am/8:25am | The Wolferton Rated Stakes | Listed | 1 1/4 miles |
| 12:00pm/9:00am | The Queen's Vase Stakes | Group 3 | 2 miles |
| 12:35pm/9:35am | The Buckingham Palace Stakes | Handicap | 7f |
The Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes has often been a race for horses who fall just short of classic middle distance class. Run over 1 1/2 miles, a similar distance to the Derby, the winner will usually try their luck in Group 1 company later in the season. Indeed, Nathaniel supplemented his win last season with victory in the King George VI at Ascot.
The feature race of day four is the Coronation Stakes, a Group one affair for three year old fillies. This race typically features the key players in the mile Classic contest of France, Ireland and England. Ghanaati won both the 1000 Guineas and the Coronations Stakes in 2009. Further back on the race's roll of honor, are Ridgewood Pearl, and Banks Hill.
A relatively new race, the listed Wolferton Handicap over about 1 1/4 miles, is another tricky betting heat. In recent years, it has been horses at the bottom of the market, who have found themselves in the coveted Royal Ascot winners enclosure.
The penultimate race of the day is a real test for its three year old competitors. The Queens Vase, a Group 3 contest over 2 miles, is worth almost £40,000 to the winner, who's connections will also have the trophy presented to them, by Her Majesty. Mark Johnston has trained the winner of the race five times in the last decade, including with Namibian last season. Historically, Henry Cecil is the race's leading trainer, with 8 victories. However, he has not won it since 1999.
The Buckingham Palace Stakes is another heritage handicap, this time run over 7 furlongs. The race usually attracts over 25 entrants and is another example of the huge field ‘cavalry charge' races, which are an important element of the Royal Ascot experience.
Handicapping Royal Ascot
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- A meet preview courtesy At The Races
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- Mark Johnson's Spotlight Selections
- Brisnet.com Daily Selections
- Timeform Ratings and analysis
Other Days at the 2012 Royal Ascot:
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