BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: June 17, Royal Ascot

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Wednesday, June 17

Royal Ascot, Race 4: Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1, 1 1/4 miles on turf, 10 a.m. ET)

Two-time Group 1 winner #5 Japan (4-5 on the morning line) will be a clear favorite to win this 1 1/4-mile turf test, but the talented son of Galileo hasn’t run since October and is cutting back in distance, to a trip arguably shorter than his best. Add in the fact that horses trained by Aidan O’Brien tend to improve with racing, and it’s not hard to conclude Japan might be vulnerable off the layoff.

Rather than support the short-priced favorite, let’s take a shot with #1 Addeybb (10-1).

This veteran gelding finished a close second, behind the high-class mare Magical, in the Champion Stakes (G1) over this course and distance last fall. He put up a 122 Racing Post Rating, which is not far behind the best numbers posted by Japan.

Unlike his more heralded rival, Addeybb has run twice this season. He nabbed the Ranvet (G1) and Queen Elizabeth (G1) running 1 1/4 miles in Australia, so fitness shouldn’t be an issue.

Let’s bet Addeybb to win and key him in the exacta with Japan.

$10 to win on #9 Addeybb
$10 exacta: 5 with 9
$5 exacta: 9 with 5
Total: $25

Good luck!