Hills: Equilateral my best chance of an Ascot winner
Charlie Hills will head to Royal Ascot next week with a dozen runners, three favourites and “very excited” about Equilateral when the Juddmonte colt steps up from a novice to Group One company in Friday’s Commonwealth Cup.
If the lightly-raced Equilateral is not yet well known by the racing public, bookmakers, who have seen his odds crash from 25-1 to 4-1, will only be too well aware of the name.
Last year, he comfortably won his maiden at Bath, then returned with sore shins after a heavy defeat at York and spent the winter at the Juddmonte stud.
However, he blew away a good field by eight lengths at Doncaster on his first start this season in May, and his homework since has clearly put a spring in his trainer’s step. He will be ridden by the Australian jockey James Mcdonald, who arrives for the meeting today.
“He’s got to make the step up in class,” said Hills yesterday. “He really was impressive when he won at Doncaster and looks a pretty good horse – I’m very excited about him. He likes fast ground, six furlongs and is very straightforward.
“The only thing is his lack of experience, but if ever a horse had the right temperament for that it’s him. I’d nearly go as far as to say he’s our best chance.” A big statement, considering the yard houses Europe’s top sprinter Battaash, who is a hot favourite for the King’s Stand.
Jim Crowley was very happy with Battaash’s work yesterday and the gelding, who has matured into a high-class performer, overcame numerous problems to win the Temple Stakes on his reappearance. He certainly looks the best chance of keeping American hands off this prize.
Afaak looked progressive at York last time over a mile, a performance that earned him favouritism for the Royal Hunt Cup, but Hills concedes it is a race which often owes as much to luck and the draw.
Hills also fields some smart juveniles and his team includes Glory Fighter (Norfolk Stakes), who broke the five-furlong track record at Lingfield last time, and Mutawaffer (Norfolk Stakes or Windsor Castle).