Platitude has what it takes

Racing: Stoute’s charge can defy penalty to claim second Listed win

PLATITUDE can defy a penalty and add a second Listed race to his CV in the Londonmetric Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot.

Sir Michael Stoute’s charge has been pretty highly tried from an early age, chalking up two placed efforts in Listed company as a juvenile before picking up where he left off this term.

He might have fallen a bit short in the Dee Stakes at Chester on his return, but he showed himself to be much better than that when chasing home Primitivo in the King George V Stakes at Ascot before claiming second behind subsequent Classic-placed runner Houses of parliament in the Bahrain Trophy.

Platitude then headed to the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood but found his run checked and was never going to get on terms after that.

Compensation was gained back at the Sussex track last time as Platitude stormed away with the March Stakes, coming from last to first to win by a comfortable five lengths.

Racing over 14 furlongs was clearly no bar to success that day and, sticking at that trip this time, it will be disappointing if he cannot hit the mark, even under the extra 3lb burden.

William Haggas’ runners have been in fantastic form of late and FASTNET TEMPEST can spark a double for the trainer in the Galliard Homes Willow Foundation EBF Stallions Classified Stakes.

SYMPOSIUM can make it a brace for Haggas in the Original Harrogate Water Handicap.

She arrives on the back of wins at Brighton and Goodwood and, given she is owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club, you would have to assume she will be spot-on for this.

Meanwhile, likely prospects at Fontwell include THEATRE FLAME in the Fuller’s London Pride Handicap Chase. SELECTIONS: ASCOT: 2.00 Red Paladin, 2.35 Fastnet Tempest, 3.10 Symposium, 3.45 PLATITUDE (NAP), 4.20 Run To The Hills, 4.55 Golden Doyen.

FONTWELL: 2.15 Desert Cross, 2.50 Frodon, 3.25 Solstalla, 4.00 Theatre Flame, 4.35 Indiana Bay, 5.10 At First Light.

DOUBLE: Platitude and Fastnet Tempest.