Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Ascot Racecourse – Track Analysis (Diamond Jubilee Stakes Day):

Racing in a clockwise direction, Ascot is a triangular venue so well acclaimed of its enormous track width, featuring on top of which a 1600m home chute to accommodate for straight contests at up to a mile.

For the featured 1200m Diamond Jubilee Stakes, starting positions are numbered reversely back in on the straight course, where high post numbers will break from the stands side. When it comes to full fields of 20 or more dueling for early lead on a firm track, this particular stands side, as per customary for one contest too many in this Royal meeting, is the better place to be; the same would also go for the 1200m Wokingham Stakes (Handicap), the 1400m Chesham Stakes and the Jersey Stakes. Where all will utilize this straight course likewise, the field would often spilt into two groups cruising along each side of this strip, though surprises could occasionally be found knifing the pack right through the middle of the course. As for the 2392m Hardwicke Stakes and the 4330m Queen Alexandria Stakes – both being deep routes – early paces are usually pedestrian, or moderate at best, and stall assignments have minimal bearings. That being said, a rainy day would easily see this entire strip playing in reverse.

In all, be it for straight dashes, or cruising around the full circuit, fields will have to fight for Ascot glory through that grueling 500m-plus homestretch, where another steep, surmounting ascent suddenly looms in large right before the finish. On top of all the ups and downs throughout this course, front-runners do need more than a herculean task to take the field all the way home.

In the 2018 running of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes contested on good to firm turf, MERCHANT NAVY and CITY LIGHT, with some of their early speed harnessed in mid-division while on the vanguard, made headway in deep stretch, and launched their bids strongly inside final furlong to finish one-two, whereas US invader BOUND FOR NOWHERE – high-balled it right out of the gate and tried to blitz the field, but faded late to hold on for third.

With sunny skies that will extend towards Saturday – and therefore good to firm goings – on deck for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes Day this year, forwardly-placed runners may be much favoured.

Disclaimer:

The above content and information are the personal views and/or opinions of each individual writer and do not represent the views of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and/or its subsidiaries (together, the "HKJC"). The content and information are provided by the writers solely for entertainment purpose only, and should not be construed as a suggestion for anyone to place any bet nor should they be taken and/or relied upon as advice of any kind. The above content and information have not been verified, confirmed and/or endorsed by HKJC and HKJC shall not be liable to any person for any loss or damage suffered by such person as a result of any use or reliance of the above content or information.

HKJC shall not be required to give and does not give any warranty, whether express or implied, arising out of or in connection with the content or information. The Club disclaims any responsibility and accepts no liability (whether in tort, contract or otherwise) for any direct or indirect loss of damage arising from any inaccuracies, omission or typographical errors that may be contained therein. The Club also does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or fitness for purpose of any such information.