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The Irish Angle: Johnny Ward's tips at Leopardstown, plus Ascot
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Thu 18 Jun 2026
Top presenter Johnny Ward shares his four best bets on Thursday, with selections at Royal Ascot, plus Leopardstown - live on Racing TV.
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2.30 Ascot: South Dakota
Johnny Ward
Finished: 4thSP: 10/3
South Dakota looked really green behind Wednesday's runner Sergei Diaghilev at the Curragh, the form being hugely boosted since. Clearly needs to improve markedly, but he is bred to do so and the yard's juveniles in sensational form this week.
3.05 Ascot: Cannes
Johnny Ward
Finished: 14thSP: 7/2
"There's plenty of improvement to come and he could be better in a big, competitive field," said Dylan Browne McMonagle, who could have ridden three others for Joseph O'Brien here, all with claims.
A gorgeous son of Sea The Stars, he keeps on progressing, and looks ready to give this a good go at 10-1 for a yard in cracking form.
5.35 Ascot: Endorsement
Johnny Ward
Finished: 2ndSP: 11/8
Aidan O'Brien has won three of the last eight runnings and Ryan Moore's mount is hard to get away from.
The Leopardstown trial form suggests he would have gone close enough in the Derby, and he impresses with how he finishes his races, appealing as the type with more to offer with racing.
6.20 Leopardstown: Golddream
Johnny Ward
Finished: 5thSP: 7/2
First start at the same track where his sire memorably shocked Australia in the Champion Stakes.
On pedigree, he definitely should not have wanted for stamina at Naas and the chances are he is still learning on the job.
Travels well and maiden form, which ties in with that of stablemate Jamestown (Britannia fancy but price has gone), reads well.
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