HANDFUL

TODAY’S Scurry Stakes at Sandown might be a far cry from five days of the best Flat racing in the world at Royal Ascot next week but, as my father would often tell me, a 10-1 winner is still a 10-1 wherever it runs.

He told me that BEFORE the 10-1 nag he’d backed at Hexam was tailed off last.

What we all need heading into the royal meeting is a little bit of luck and a winner to boost our war fund.

I’ve been so unlucky recently, even when I log on to the internet a message pops up saying, “There are NO girls in your area looking for you.”

I’m quietly confident, though, about the prospect of at 2.40

(no relation to my dad).

This five-furlong dash for three-yearolds is likely to see start as favourite given she beat a field of five (including Ardad) at York in May when obliging at 20-1.

I believe that victory was a flash in the pan and that Ardad had an off-day.

ARDAD Fashion Queen

That was Ardad’s first run of the season, on ill-suited soft ground — so I think we can forgive and forget that run. Prior to that Ardad raced in Chantilly against a much higher class of opposition where he finished last, so I’m looking to forget that run as well. Fortunately as I’m getting older my memory is getting worse. In fact I’ve reached the age where I’ve started to become interested in other people’s operations. Going back to Doncaster last year was when Ardad last tasted victory, notably on firm ground.

He quickened up nicely that day and a reproduction of that run should see him account for this field.

Copper Night

has shown improved form since being gelded and switching stables, winning his last two races at Chester and York over the minimum trip.

But unlike Ardad I don’t think Copper Night has as much improvement up his sleeve and he won’t be helped by a poor draw in stall eight.