2.30 – Karl Burke has made no secret about the strength of his two year old team this season and the way Dramatised won the Queen Mary earlier in the week will surely give him plenty of hope about the chances of CATHY COME HOME today. She made a pleasing debut at Musselburgh when Paul Mulrennan described her as one of the best two year olds he has sat on and given that was over a trip shorter than what will be her optimum you have to take serious note. She looked the real deal that day, I think she is and she should show it over this extended trip today.
3.05 – This is a really open race this year and I don’t think there is much between a few of these. El Caballo is developing a useful knack of winning races but the market says PERFECT POWER has the better chance. He was a top class two year last year and although connections tried to make him a miler earlier in the season I think they will be better off sticking to these sprinting distances. He travels so well in his races but has the ability to stay a little further 6f so this stiff test should really suit him down to the ground.
3.40 – AJERO is no price now compared to what he was earlier in the week but I still rate his chance highly. He was a big eye catcher in all three of his qualifying runs given the fact he had to concede weight due to his age. He will love the ground and the extra 2f here so he must have a serious chance of providing Kim Bailey with a rare Royal winner.
4.20 – Again, another open race with plenty in with a chance. I’d like to give SANDRINE a chance to show she is better than her Guineas finishing position suggests. She got going late that day in what was a slightly muddling race and connections have clearly waited for this race since. Her trainer has spoken very highly of her and at 12/1 she is well worth a punt.
5.00 – Charlie Fellowes and Hayley Turner have enjoyed much success at Ascot previously and I’ll take a chance that they can enjoy some more here with FRESH HOPE who looks to have an oustanding chance at the foot of the weights. She won a shade cosy the last time and is bred to be a bit better than her current mark.
5.35 – This could be a shootout between the two market leaders. I like the claims of the less exposed OTTOMAN FLEET who represents the Charlie Appleby stable. He won at Newmarket last time despite stumbling out of the stalls and sacrificing several lengths. He looks the type of horse who should improve for the step up in trip and he could yet be another classy 3 year old middle distance off the Godolphin production line.
6.10 – It’s hard not to get sucked in by the Johnny Murtagh horse here, LADIES CHURCH, who looks a little bit better than a handicapper. She pushed Sacred Bridge all the way at Cork last time out and that horse has an outside chance in the Commonwealth Cup. She looks to have a plum draw, should act on the ground and should appreciate the fast pace to run at. Outstanding chance.
Saturday
2.30 – I don’t think this is as cut and dry as the market makes out. Alfred Munnings is a short priced favourite but I can’t have him at that price in what could be a deeper than usual renewal of the Chesham. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the bigger priced horses outruns their odds but CRYPTO FORCE looked the ultimate professional on debut at the Curragh and at 12/1 looks a sensible play here. I think he beat a good field that day and lengthened away nicely at the end. Has since been snapped up and I can see him running a big race.
3.05 – NOBLE TRUTH looks an obvious selection here. Plenty of experience gained at 2, he returned with a facile success at Newmarket which would have left connections no other option but to come for this race. I don’t think it’s too deep and he is the standout form pick.
3.40 – It’s hard to see any other outcome apart from a HURRICANE LANE victory here even despite his absence. A top class three year old he and stablemate Adayar could go on and dominate the middle distance division this year and this looks an obvious starting point for him to do so.
4.20 – The Aussie horse is priced up short enough based on the fact his compatriot won so well on Tuesday but I can’t get too excited about that. I’d rather take a chance on MINZAAL who might just hit the big time this year. He has threatened to do so already in his short career and I think he has everything it takes to go well here. He travels sweetly so should appreciate the big field and fast pace and definitely offers value at 16/1.
5.00 – I’m having a couple of punts in this minefield of a race. First up is last year’s winner ROHAAN who is better than a handicapper but looks to have been primed for a repeat success by his shrewd trainer. Another classy horse is SUMMERGHAND who is back down to the same mark he as to when he came second in this race 2 years ago. He looks ready to strike soon.
5.35 – FALLING SHADOW definitely looks better than a mark of 92 and should prove that tomorrow in this handicap. Charlie Appleby probably has a good handle on him given the success he has already enjoyed this week with similar types so any market confidence should be noted.
6.10 – there would have to be a lot of rain for Trueshan to take part in this and I can’t quite see it coming in time. CALLING THE WIND is overpriced given his record over extreme distances and the fact he came second in this race last year. 14/1 is serious value in the last race of Royal Ascot 2022.
