2.30 – A competitive race to kick us off but I’m not sure just how deep it really is. A lot of these have had their chance at the top table and haven’t been consistent enough to claim themselves to be a top, top miler. It can throw up a surprise so I’m looking down the market for some value and I think WITCH HUNTER provides just that. Having ran once and won once (rather cosily) over the straight mile at Ascot he remains unexposed in these conditions. His form wouldn’t be strong enough to win this but if he does improve for the test that Ascot provides then he could be a tasty each way play in a race which could suit the finishers.
3.05 – This looks as deep a renewal of this race that I can remember. In all honesty I could put up 5 or 6 who I think could win but my main hope is going to be THE ACTOR. Richard Hannon‘s youngster has run in 2 hot races at Newmarket so far, winning one after finishing second on his debut. The form has worked out well both times and some re-oppose today. What has impressed me most has been his attitude and ability to finish strongly over 5f which would suggest to me there is plenty of improvement to come over this 6f trip. I’m slightly concerned he may be on the wrong side but I’m hoping his gutsy attitude can take him into the mix.
3.45 – As strong as the Coventry is this year, I think the King Charles III Stakes is a fraction on the weak side. Again, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a shock winner here so I’m putting one up at a decent price who in my opinion should be at least half the price. VALIANT FORCE was a convincing winner here last year, albeit at a big price, before showing that wasn’t a fluke by running very well over in the States where his form tied in very close with the favourite here, Big Evs. At 16/1 he looks a sound each way bet.
4.25 – I think NOTABLE SPEECH is one of the stars of the week and I envisage him being very hard to beat. His turn of foot looks to be his biggest asset and a mile around a bend here at Ascot could show him in an even better light. It’s by no means an easy task with two other Guineas winners in the mix but he was the most impressive of those by far and I anticipate him to hold the form with Rosallion.
5.05 – This looks to be an open renewal and I fancy ZANNDABAD to gain some compensation after narrowly missing out at Chester last time. William Buick takes over the reigns here and he looks the most solid alternative. Willie Mullins has My Lyka who is the unknown in here but with stamina assured I would rather back the current favourite especially with Buick booked to ride.
5.40 – I’m hoping Buick is in for a good day on Day 1 as I fancy his mount here. BOTANICAL has the profile of a horse who tends to excel in this race which his connections have a fine recent record in. He is certainly on an upward curve after taking competitive handicaps either side of a winter break and he arrives here in fine form albeit with it all to prove. There are some proven performers in here who will be tough to beat but I like to side with the young improvers normally and I think it would be wise to do so here.
6.15 – Another staying handicap to round off Day 1 and I’m going to take a punt on PARTY CENTRAL who looks to be overlooked in the market. Gordon Elliott‘s mare is completely unexposed on the level and has always displayed a good turn of foot over the jumps so she could be let in off a mark of 96. Elliott has enlisted the skills of the Jamie Spencer which is a big positive and if you have a good look through the form of some of these I don’t think there is much to be scared of.
