Double down on Bless Him

WINNING two marquee handicaps in a fortnight is a tough ask, but BLESS HIM (Ascot, nap, 3.00) can pull off the feat this afternoon.

The eight-year-old bids to emulate 2018 winner Burnt Sugar by completing the Bunbury Cup/ International Stakes double with victory in this afternoon’s feature handicap and, such was the manner of his Newmarket success, he looks no forlorn hope to follow up.

Given that the July course was favouring horses that raced on the speed that week, it was a terrific performance from the selection to come from so far off the pace to collar Ropey Guest and 16 other rivals and win going away in the hands of Jamie Spencer.

Of course, it could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show today, but the David Simcock stable continue in rude health and the handicappers believe two of Bless Him’s best career performances have been achieved this season at Newcastle and last time at HQ.

A strongly-run seven furlongs at Ascot should be perfect and he is likely to be on the scene once more.