DOUBLE HANDFUL

TODAY’S Group 1 Sun Chariot at Newmarket is an ultracompetitive affair. Thirteen fillies and mares aged three and upwards contest this race — and if any of the top six in the betting were to win it really wouldn’t surprise me.

Then again, if any of the other seven in the field were to win it wouldn’t shock me either.

Not much surprises me these days, except when I’m repeatedly asked to write this column.

Persuasive is the favourite but I won’t be talked into backing her at 9-4.

John Gosden’s four-year-old has yet to succeed at the top level. She was fifth behind Roly Poly in the Prix Rothschild with Qemah in fourth.

However, she reversed the form with the pair at Leopardstown when third behind Hydrangea and Winter in the Matron Stakes.

Aidan O’brien has a number of top-class fillies in his stable, with the likes of Winter, Rhododendron, Hydrangea and Roly Poly. Roly Poly has enjoyed most of her success when ridden aggressively from the front, although she may have her hands full getting to the head of this field and staying there.

She faded badly into sixth last time and I think a long season is finally beginning to take its toll.

French raiders Qemah and Siyoushake both have the form in the book to win or go close, but the horse I like is Marco Botti’s ALJAZZI, who looked sensational last time out when posting a career best at Sandown last month.

She was only a length down on Qemah at Royal Ascot in June and it’s worth noting Botti’s charge won her maiden here at Newmarket. Another factor in her favour is that she should be fresher than most of the field.

This will only be her fifth race of the season compared to Roly Poly’s eighth and Usherette’s sixth.