Presidential can trump his rivals
PRESIDENTIAL (Ascot, nap, 4.00) can prove himself a prime candidate for the season’s toughest handicaps with victory in today’s Tote Victoria Cup.
Trainer Roger Fell has already showcased his talents at this afternoon’s venue when Burnt Sugar landed a gamble in last year’s International. And in Presidential he looks to boast another nominee for a prestigious Ascot handicap.
The selection, who relishes soft ground, caught the eye with an encouraging comeback at Newmarket behind Mubtasim and that form has subsequently been enhanced by victories for runner-up On The Warpath, an emphatic winner of a warm sprint on 1,000 Guineas day, and fourth-home Game Player.
It appeared Presidential’s Newmarket reappearance would improve his fitness and tighten him up for a race of this nature, and his patient running style should be well suited to a track where late closers are often favoured.
In contrast to the 26-runner cavalry charge, Lingfield stages its Derby and Oaks trials as the build- up to Epsom continues apace.
Aidan O’Brien, as is so often the way, has largely dominated the spring trials and Anthony Van Dyck, third to Too Darn Hot in last season’s Dewhurst Stakes, will have plenty of supporters in the colt’s trial. However, he is yet to confirm his stamina over just short of a mile and a half, so at the morning prices
CAP FRANCAIS (Lingfield, 2.30) makes a little more appeal.
He handled Epsom well a fortnight ago when narrowly beaten by one of the Ballydoyle battalion in Cape Of Good Hope and today’s conditions will hold no terrors.
In the fillies’ event,
FRANKELLINA (Lingfield, 1.55) could announce herself as a potential Oaks hope if the hype surrounding her homework is proved correct.