Ifraaj favourite for Wokingham Stakes

With Royal Ascot at York now in full swing, we turn our attention to one of Saturday's high profile races - the Wokingham Stakes. This is one of the most competitive events in the racing calendar, and this is reflected in the betting.

If you're tempted to have a punt on this one, it's worth having a look at the spread betting markets on offer at Sporting Index. As well as being able to back an individual horse to win, you can also bet on those which you think will lose. So, with £100 cash on offer to new clients at Sporting Index (see below for details) it's an interesting alternative to the usual fixed-odds offerings. Here are our thoughts on the leading contenders to help you get started.

York is a flatter, faster course than Ascot and therefore stamina issues in a 6f race are less of a factor. The current favourite Ifraaj has won at 6 & 7f so tiredness shouldn't be an issue with this progressive colt. A setback last year meant he has been lightly raced which could help as he's still not too high in the weights. Impressive in his two wins this year, he has every chance.

Soldiers Tale is another horse that's been in the wars. This dual course winner beat Gift Horse and Eisteddfod last time out here over 6f; he looks a top horse in the making and clearly loves the place.

Gift Horse goes into this one in much better shape, and is the most recent winner in this field (on Derby day). Good going would benefit this gelding, whose trainer Dandy Nicholls has a great record in these big sprint handicaps; his charge Lafi won the corresponding fixture last year in the same colours.

Special Royal Ascot promotion to all customers
Sporting Index are offering all clients (old and new) a promotion that covers a race for each remaining day of Royal Ascot.

Buy (bet 'high' on) any horse in any of the following races, and if it wins, they'll add an extra two points per winning length.

Wednesday - Prince of Wales Stakes
Thursday - Gold Cup
Friday - Coronation Stakes
Saturday - Hardwicke Stakes

For full details of these offers, and to open your Sporting Index account, please check the Sporting Index site. Terms and conditions apply.