14:30 Pinatubo @ 7/2
Charlie Appleby’s runner has looked much better than this level already winning on both of his starts to date. He couldn’t have been much more impressive when winning at Epsom last time, quite a stocky, heavy individual it was surprising he handled the twists and undulation at Epsom as well as he did. On a more conventional track, he can show us how good he really is.
15:05 Urban Icon @ 6/1
His Epsom conqueror Space Blues is in the line-up but there was only a neck between them that day and he’s nearly twice the price! He had been touted for the 2,000 Guineas but it came too soon after a disappointing run at Newbury. The Richard Hannon team are desperate to get on the board and this looks their best chance of the week.
15:40 Mirage Dancer @ 9/2
Has been brought along patiently by Sir Michael Stoute and let’s not forget he was highly touted for the Derby two years ago. He can be a little hit and miss but he’s hit the ground running with a very solid and taking reappearance victory at Goodwood last time. It’s a massive ride for Pat Dobbs but he’s up to the task. The 2018 Derby winner Masar returns after injury, but starting out over 1m 4f in a quality race like this is tough and he may just wilt late on.
16:20 Blue Point @ 2/1
Why shouldn’t he win again after a cracking victory on Tuesday over Battaash. He’s obviously returned home in good form and can make it five wins on the bounce. If there was a sneaky one at a price it would be a Dream of Dreams who again is a slow, maturing, improver from the Stoute yard and can run into a place at a double-digit price.
17:00 Spring Loaded @ 25/1
He’s definitely no 25/1 shot, as he was unlucky in this contest last year when getting no run and finished ninth. Admittedly he was a couple of pounds lower, but they bringing Dylan Hogan to ease the burden by 5lbs. He was fatter than me after Christmas on his return at Windsor and that is saying something! I bumped into his trainer Paul D’Arcy on the golf course recently and he shouted over the fairway that he won’t be fat for Ascot – he’s been targeted at this race.
17:35 Lucky Deal @ 6/1
Mark Johnston’s runner Is an out-and-out stayer and this 2m 5f trip looks absolutely tailor-made for him. Last year’s winner Pallasator runs again and obviously Max Dynamite is going to be a major player. However, it’s time for the old boys to move over and this four-year-old can gallop them into submission over this extreme trip to round off the Festival in style.
*Prices correct at time of publishing
Scoot over to PaddyPower.com now for all the latest racing odds