Day 4, it has to be said, was our worst day this week on the backing side at Royal Ascot, though we maintained our 100% laying record with ease. Saturday 19th June is day 5 of Royal Ascot 2009. A sell out crowd will watch the final day’s racing of what has been another excellent Royal Ascot meeting. Whether you are there with them or not, we’re here to provide you with some betting tips. Read on…

2.30 The Chesham Stakes (Listed) 7f

We have BEETHOVEN (NAP) some way ahead of next best, Big Audio. We’d recommend a decent each-way bet on Beethoven here.

Avow and Step in Time are both expected to be beaten in this race: we suggest laying each of these horses.

3.05 The Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) 1m4f

Our adjusted speed ratings suggest that there is little between Enroller and Barshiba, but that those two horses have produced better on course than thew rest of this classy field. We’d expect, therefore, for these two to finish in the frame: each-way bets on these two with a forecast/exacta may be the order of the day here.

Of those at the other end of our ratings, we expect Illustrious Blue will have the most to do – we will be laying it.

3.45 The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) 6f

This is another of those really tight sprint races that we struggle to select in due to the narrowest of margins between these similarly matched ultra-high-class horses. This is a Group 1 race for good reason! That said, if you’re looking for a couple to drop into a Placepot perm, then you should do well with Takeover Target and Strike the Deal - but be warned there are only 3 places here, with the 15 runners (plus it is not a handicap).

We think Cannonball is the best laying option.

4.25 The Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) 6f

Another 6 furlong dash, this time the horses are handicapped. Sometimes, this means we can find a stand-out horse which is well weighted for success (as on Thursday!), oither times, however, we find the handicapper has grouped the field together tightly. Unfortunately, the latter is true here. The winner could literally come from any of 10 horses – probably more! That is not much good for you, so we tentatively suggest the top-rated four (split by only 2 points in our ratings):

• Evens and Odds
• Jimmy Styles
• Osiris Way
• Sohraab

If you’re looking for a horse to lay here, we think Markab offers a good opportunity, and should struggle to cope with the pace of more than one of these at the weights.

5.00 The Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Heritage Handicap) 1m4f

Dansili Dancer and Drill Sergeant are advised as solid each-way bets in this Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. The two are rated highly on recent performances, and, while both are at the heavier end of the handicap, should have the class to be very close come the finish line.

Top weight, Yellowstone, however, has not produced a performance which would see this race on the cards since 2007 – we are laying.

5.35 The Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions) 2m5f 159yards

We select two horses at the head of this field again as this ultimate staying event draws Royal Ascot 2009 to a close: Caracciola and Tyrrells Wood are both suggested as great each-way opportunities.

The final lay of this meeting will be Ruff Diamond.

Best of luck for an enjoyable Royal Ascot Saturday. Win or lose, try to have fun. Make a ‘betting bank’ and stick to it! Most of all:r aim to win, expect to lose. You’ll never be disappointed!

Gamble responsibly.