HARRY TIPPED TO CANE ASCOT RIVALS
MARCUS TOWNEND
HARRY ANGEL blew away his opponents in the Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes yesterday to tee up a bid to end his Ascot hoodoo next month.
The Clive Cox-trained speedster was rated the best six-furlong horse in the world last year. He has won every race he has contested away from Ascot.
But the Godolphin-owned son of Dark Angel has lost all four races he has contested at the Berkshire course.
That question mark probably explains why Adam Kirby’s mount can still be backed at 5-2 with most bookmakers for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the royal meeting (June 23).
On the evidence of the 4-9 favourite’s two-length defeat of Brando, who was receiving 5lb, he will take some stopping, especially as Cox believes his colt will improve a lot for the run.
The trainer, who has worked hard with his team to calm a high- tensile sprinter who has had issues with the stalls, said: ‘He has really grown up mentally. We know he is good, we just have to get him to Royal Ascot in one piece.
‘I’m thrilled he has taken that first step today. He has not been off the bridle at home and, with the penalty, I’m pleased we have got this win under our belts.
‘People say he has not won at Ascot, but I think that is just a fluke and there is nothing much to read into it.’
Tasleet, a Duke of York Stakes withdrawal yesterday when he went lame, will be one of Harry Angel’s main rivals at Royal Ascot and his trainer William Haggas got on the scoresheet when James Doyle-ridden Give And Take won the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes by a length from Dancing Brave Bear.
Neither filly looks like going to Epsom for the Investec Oaks on June 1.
Haggas, who feels yesterday’s 10-furlong trip is more suitable for Give And Take, favours a shot at the Group One Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp a week on Sunday, while Ed Vaughan, trainer of the inexperienced Dancing Brave Bear, is eyeing the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. Haggas, who has a Derby hope in Young Rascal, winner of last week’s Chester Vase, completed a York double when Reverend Jacobs won the Oak Farm Stable Stakes. He said: ‘I have never been convinced a mile-and-a-half is Give And Take’s game. She has always shown me speed at home.’ The most successful trainer on day one of York’s season was Richard Fahey, who completed a treble with George Bowen, Clubbable and Charming Kid. BIG ORANGE, the Michael Bell-trained Ascot Gold Cup winner, has been ruled out for the season with a leg injury.