Lah Ti Dar looks Gosden’s banker

Bookmakers offer just 8-1 that John Gosden will have four or more winners at Ascot today, but I believe three of his four “good things” are worth opposing.

Stradivarius will attempt to get the trainer off to a perfect start (1.25), but he could finish only third in this race last year and his only two defeats in his past eight races have come on ground with soft in the description. Preference is for Flag Of Honour, who has huge potential at staying trips.

The decision to drop Roaring Lion back to a mile (3.15) may founder. A three-time Group One winner over two furlongs further, he could find things happening too quickly against specialist milers. I fancy that Addeybb, a soft ground could run well price.

Cracksman was scintillating when winning last season’s Champion Stakes but he could face a tough task to retain his crown (3.50). The four-year-old’s temperament has been questioned this year and he is fitted with blinkers. It is worth taking a chance they will not reinvigorate him and Crystal Ocean could capitalise.

However, Gosden does provide the day’s banker in Lah Ti Dar (2.40pm). Her stamina was stretched to the limit when second in the St Leger and the shorter trip at Ascot will play to her strengths. Back against her own sex, she has strong claims. Her biggest danger is likely to be the French challenger Kitesurf, who impressed last time. specialist, at decent