Tabcorp Restricts Fixed-Odds Betting on Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes Due to System Limitations

Punters across Australia will be restricted to fixed-odds betting on the three Australian hopes in the group 2 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot early tomorrow morning due to limitations in Tabcorp's computer system. The Tabcorp computer system cannot cope with the field of 30 expected to start, with no race in Australian racing staged with more than 24 starters. Late yesterday, State Government approval was rushed through to allow fixed-odds betting on the race. Takeover Target is a $5 favorite for the King's Stand with bookmakers in London, with Lee Freedman's Falkirk at $13 and Danny O'Brien's Glamour Puss at $15.

Key Takeaways:

• Tabcorp's computer system is unable to handle a field of 30 starters, limiting betting options to fixed-odds on the King's Stand Stakes.
• UNITAB, the other pari-mutual wagering company in Australia, will also offer fixed-odds betting on the race.
• The three Australian sprinters, including Takeover Target, have thrived since arriving in England, with trainer Joe Janiak focusing on the horse's preparation.
• Regular rider Jay Ford will take the mount for Takeover Target, who is expected to handle the pace on the Ascot course.
• The King's Stand Stakes will be contested by 30 horses, with the winner expected to be determined by the pace and handling of the horses.

Statistics:

• 24 starters is the maximum number of horses that can be accommodated by Australian racing systems.
• 30 horses are expected to start in the King's Stand Stakes.
• Takeover Target is a $5 favorite for the King's Stand Stakes.
• Falkirk and Glamour Puss are $13 and $15 respectively.
• The King's Stand Stakes is a 1200m group 2 event.

Sources:

• Tabcorp spokesman (yesterday)
• UNITAB (confirmed fixed-odds betting)
• Joe Janiak (trainer of Takeover Target)
• Jay Ford (regular rider on Takeover Target)