Aratus looks well versed
THE big field for the Royal Hunt Cup makes me smell a Rat.
There looks to be loads of pace in this mile dash down the Ascot straight and that will suit ARATUS (5.00) perfectly.
He can often be too keen through the early stages but Adam Kirby should be able to settle him nicely this time as he is surrounded by potential prominent racers from stall 24.
Clive Cox’s star was poorly drawn in the Victoria Cup, but he still managed to finish just ahead of one of the favourites for this race, Dark Shift.
Aratus, named after a Grek poet, is also bred to appreciate the step up from 7f.
Have 2pts each-way at 33-1, with several bookies paying out on seven places and Sky Bet stretching to eight.
I was impressed with BOLT ACTION (5.35) on his debut at Leicester a couple of weeks ago.
He showed a great attitude to draw away from some promising rivals in the closing stages.
His professionalism will count for plenty in the Windsor Castle Stakes and he’s a nephew of three Group 1 winners, including Iridessa.
Have 1pt each-way at 10-1, with several bookies going five places and Sky Bet paying out on six.
STATE OCCASION (6.10) got the race in the stewards’ room after being narrowly beaten at Chelmsford on her return to action last month.
That was an excellent effort as the 7f distance would have been shorter than ideal.
Ralph Beckett’s filly was progressive without winning last season and she looked to have improved again for her winter break.
The fact that both her wins came on the all-weather is not a worry as horses with good form on artificial surfaces tend to do well at Ascot.
Have 1pt each-way at 14-1, with most bookies paying out for five places.