Saturday
It’s hard not to fancy ROHAAN in the 3.00 at Ascot tomorrow given his record at Ascot over this course and distance. David Evans charge is tailor made for this stiff 6f test and will appreciate the big field he faces today. His main problem will be getting the breaks and it will be up to Andrea Atzeni to guide him into the right gaps.
If he doesn’t find the right gaps I hope VADREAM will. Charlie Fellowes filly won the race last year and if it was softer tomorrow then I would fancy her more but with some ease in the ground I do think she is a player at a big price. The Ayr Gold Cup was never going to suit her as not many come from off the pace there but she will be back into her comfort zone here and she could be picking up the pieces late.
In the Challenge Cup I think BLUE FOR YOU still has more to offer despite being bumped up 6lb for his win at York last time. He’s improved throughout the year and I can’t see why he won’t improve again for this stiff 7f at Ascot. David O’Meara has a strong hand in this race but this fellow looks just about the pick of them and 9/1 is a decent price.
Ascot 3.00 – Rohaan / Vadream
Ascot 3.36 – Blue For You
Sunday
The Arc on Sunday could be a slog given how ground staff have allowed the ground to potentially turn heavy. No one really wants to see that and it will hinder plenty of horses. I’m not sure how AL HAKEEM will handle it but there are some strong vibes from the Jean Claude Rouget stable about this lad and I don’t understand why he is such a big price. A well fancied favourite for the French Derby he ran a mighty race from an unpromising position to finish 4th before winning again next time out which would have been a tee up for this. Connections know how to win the race and I’m sure this has been the plan for this horse for some time.
Closely matched on form with the main selection I think ONESTO is a really solid type who at 14/1 should give you a return on your stake. He seems to have danced every dance this summer and he is one of the horse who you would think should handle conditions given he is by Frankel and his run at Leopardstown last time was on soft ground. The step up to 1m 4f should suit and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him go close.
Parislongchamp 3.05 – Al Hakeem / Onesto
