– An open sprint and the in-form looks the answer. He is just 3lb higher than when scoring at York in May and has been running consistently since, posting some very good placed efforts. Robert Cowell has three running for him and may prove best of that trio. He had both and behind when a close second over track and trip last month. That level of form suggests he should make his presence felt.
Evergate Encore D’Or Gracious John
– Last year’s runner-up
is suggested. He has disappointed on his last two starts but his close second at Haydock reads well in the context of this race. disappointed in the Northumberland Plate but had earlier failed by a nose in Lingfield’s All-Weather Marathon Championship. A repeat gives him every chance.
– There is probably better to come from the only three-year-old in the race, who is favoured by the weight-for-age allowance.
may prove the best of the Tim Easterby pair and is well treated, racing off a mark 3lb lower than when last successful. She posted a solid effort at Ripon two outings ago. However, twice a winner in Ireland for John Oxx, has done nothing wrong in both his starts for Paul Nicholls and makes most appeal.
– The handicapper has raised 1lb for his Windsor success. He has won off higher marks in the past so has every chance to follow up. The drop back in trip may not suit
but has a good record at this venue and is a possible along with He failed in his hat-trick bid but the return to this distance and faster ground should help.
Appointed Ascot Haydock Lord George Rashdan, BIRDS OF PREY, Ascot MAJEED
Machine Learner
Maori Bob.
Haydock – Narella won a German Group Three last year but disappointed on her debut for new connections and may be worth another chance. Last year’s runner-up, Lincoln Rocks, has been out of sorts of late but this is a slight drop in grade and is a player but the progressive AGROTERA may be the answer. This is a step up in class but she won with a little in hand at Ascot.
Ascot – Another tight handicap but VIA Koeman
has run well all season in tough and competitive races. He won nicely at Sandown and was doing his best work at the finish over seven furlongs here to suggest a return to this trip would suit.
Goodwood win has been franked and he remains of interest along with who was just denied in the Goodwood Mile and races off a 3lb higher mark.
Medahim’s Poet’s Society, Haydock
– has done well to win three valuable handicaps but faces a tough task in confirming places with who he beat a short head at Newmarket but is now 12lb worse off. The selection had earlier ran well in an Ascot Group Three and that is solid form in this company. Hat-trick seeking
has won both his races comfortably this campaign and is likely to take this step up in grade in his stride.
– The step up in trip has seen improvement from
who has won four of his last six outings. He is one for the short list along with who has the same profile and only failed by a neck to hold off Koeman (runs 2.15) over track and trip. The vote goes to He was very unlucky at Goodwood last week when denied a clear run twice behind Desert Path and did well to finish as close as he did.
– There was a neck between and when they fought out the finish of Royal Ascot’s Albany Stakes. The runner-up now has a 3lb pull, so there should be little between them.
steps up in grade and could be anything but who finished in front of La Pelosa at Sandown, is from the yard that won this last year and may have more to offer.
ZAAKI,
Elwazir
Ascot Gossip Column, Bajan Gold,
SERGIO LEONE. Roundhay Park Communique
Newmarket
Main Edition La Pelosa Pennywhistle AJRAR, Ascot
George Of Hearts,
– There will be interest in who drops back in trip after three solid performances at this track over further.
is yet to win at this trip but hails from an in-form stable and comes here on the back of a good effort at this distance in a valuable Newmarket handicap. He may pose the main threat to He has been consistent and progressive, winning three of his last five starts. He carries a 3lb penalty but may still be ahead of the handicapper.
SHAHEEN.