Lion in the hunt
ROYAL ASCOT winner COEUR DE LION (2.45, nb, ITV4) has everything in his favour to roar home in today’sTote Chester Cup Handicap.
Since winning at last year’s royal meeting the gelding has disappointed, but the handicapper has given the eight-year-old a cracking chance to return to form.
Today the Alan Kingtrained eight-year-old runs off only a 1lb higher mark than he carried at Ascot and also has winning form over today’s course and distance on testing ground. Stablemate Who Dares Wins is the likely danger. This versatile performer, successful over fences, hurdles and on the Flat, won the 2019 Northumberland Plate, and recent efforts indicate that he retains his form.
In the opener ASCENSION (1.45, ITV4) could make amends for his unfortunate run in last month’s Lincoln when denied a clear run behind Haqeeqy.
The lightly-raced SANGARIUS (2.15, treble, ITV4) should again confirm his superiority over Bangkok whom he beat on the same terms at Lingfield in December.
With the Aidan O’Brien team underperforming the likely favourite Armory does not inspire my support.
Testing conditions will enable
EL ASTRONAUTE (3.15, ITV4) to take the Boodles Stakes. This class act has 11lb in hand over his moderate rivals and may take all the beating.
After posting some solid performances on soft ground in France last year, INTO FAITH (3.45, ITV4) will be hard to catch in the Retraining Of Racehorses Handicap.
At Market Rasen, smart hurdler NEVILLE’S CROSS (2.00, ITV4) can make a winning debut over fences.
But the best bet of the day could be at Ascot with the John Ryan-trained HIROSHIMA (1.20, nap). The five-year-old was far from disgraced when fifth behind On To Victory in last season’s November Handicap at Doncaster.