Mubtasim is my 25-1 nap
tACKLINg a Classic before this event has been a successful tactic in recent renewals and connections of Le Brivido, Dream Castle and Daban will be hoping that trend continues here. All three have plenty to commend them, but they are priced accordingly. And although I am fearful of Dream Castle, MUBTASIM catches the eye as the value bet.
the selection has twice been left in the wake of star sprinter Harry Angel over six furlongs this term, looking for all the world like an extra furlong would bring improvement. the William Haggas horses went well on day one and his colt can spring a surprise in the opener. SELECTION: Mubtasim (nap) DANGER: Dream Castle
WESLEy WArD’S HAPPY LIKE A FOOL can follow in the hoofsteps of the incredible Lady Aurelia by handing the American trainer a second straight win in this event. the vibes around the emphatic Keeneland winner have been strong in the build-up and she will cope with the Ascot atmosphere.
those preferring an interest at bigger odds should look to Neola, who posted a terrific display in defeat at york last month. Mrs gallagher is also likely to outrun her odds. SELECTION: Happy Like A Fool DANGER: Neola
USHErEttE tackles 2016 Coronation Stakes winner Qemah in a fascinating match-up. However, both may have to defer to LAUGH ALOUD who showed a sparkling turn of foot to score at Epsom. Although up in class today, John gosden’s filly looks more than capable of bridging the gap from group three company.
Qemah found the seven furlongs an insufficient test at Lingfield and she returns to her favoured trip. Smart Call should improve for her Epsom outing. SELECTION: Laugh Aloud DANGER: Qemah
JACK HoBBS and Highland reel renew hostilities and connections of the latter, a superb winner of the Coronation Cup at Epsom, will believe the fast ground gives them a chance of reversing placings from Dubai in the spring. But perhaps 12 furlongs suits both better and DECORATED KNIGHT is a value each-way bet against the duo and progressive contender Ulysses.
the five-year-old ran well in Meydan this spring to chase home Queen Anne Stakes 1-2 ribchester and Mutakayyef — and that form doesn’t appear too shabby after yesterday’s proceedings. SELECTION: Decorated Knight DANGER: Highland Reel
HORS DE COMBAT is an Ascot regular and he could enjoy his day in the sun. the selection saw plenty of trouble in running in a seven-furlong handicap on his last start, but that could well put him spot-on for today. He is not a horse to trust implicitly, but a genuine gallop, fast ground and a big field bring out the best in him and he is a hefty price considering his ability.
Many will feel tabarrak is handicapped out of a race of this nature, but there is only a stone between top and bottom weight and the progressive four- year- old has improved for a gelding operation. SELECTION: Hors De Combat DANGER: Tabarrak
RAIN GODDESS has acquitted herself well in some deep contests and appeals now she returns to handicap company. the selection was beaten only four lengths in the French guineas and today’s test should be perfect because she has looked a shade short of pace over seven furlongs. rain goddess’s stable have an excellent record with class droppers, too.
ten furlongs on soft ground meant Prosper failed to shine at Newbury last time, but she could bounce back at a big price here with the hood applied for the first time. SELECTION: Rain Goddess DANGER: Prosper