Conor Magner: 13:50 Ascot – Mother Earth
Ballydoyle had their first juvenile winner of the week in the Chesham Stakes and can quickly follow up in the Albany with MOTHER EARTH.
This filly shaped very promisingly behind a more streetwise rival in debut at Navan. The stiffer test here should suit, and her pedigree suggests she will handle the soft ground conditions.
Niall O’Reilly: 13:50 Ascot – Mahale
MAHALE wouldn’t have the normal profile of the winner of this, though this is a different type of year, and I RECKON she has a big chance here.
She made her debut at Newmarket two weeks ago, where she ran a cracker to finish a decent fourth in a race that’s working out very well. That race was run in a decent overall time, though it’s the sectional Mahale produced that really caught my eye, as it was third fastest on the entire card.
It was only marginally slower than those recorded by Sacred (second favourite for the Queen Mary) and Eye Of Heaven (short price favourite for the Norfolk). That run came over 5 furlongs and she looked to be crying out for 6 furlongs, which she gets here.
Mick Channon has booked Oisin Murphy for the ride, which would indicate he believes she has a good chance and provided she handles the ground, she will go very close.
Frank Hickey: 15:35 Ascot – Golden Horde
In my opinion, GOLDEN HORDE brings the strongest form into this year’s renewal of the Commonwealth Cup. He progressed with every start as a two-year-old, breaking his maiden at the second attempt at Windsor and running a very creditable sixth in last year’s Coventry Stakes – when beaten only two lengths despite the jockey dropping his reins briefly in the final furlong.
He then won the Group 2 Richmond Stakes, beating subsequent dual Group 2 winner Threat and followed up with an excellent third in the Group 1 Prix Morny with Earthlight and Raffle Prize about two lengths in front of him, with Coventry winners Arizona and Norfolk winner A’Ali behind. He improved on that performance to be beaten only a neck by Earthlight in the Middle Park and that run is the best form in the race.
Lope Y Fernandez and Pierre Lapin (for Roger Varian, who is having a tremendous week) are the dangers, but I’m hoping Golden Horde will be another Group One winners sprinter for Clive Cox.
James Ryan: 16:10 Ascot – Punctuation
Andrew Balding’s horses have had a fantastic opening to the season, and I believe this will be continued tomorrow.
PUNCTUATION is being completely overlooked in the Queens Vase. He is crying out for this step up in trip and the little bit of rain will be a huge help with his extravagant action.
Jamie Smyth: 16:40 Ascot – Deja
Soft ground is a huge plus for DEJA and he has scope for further improvement after only six career starts.
It is easy to forgive his run at Newcastle, which was extremely slowly run and he is much better judged on his earlier efforts which had marked him out as handicapper to follow.
The yard’s runners have been going well and Andrea Atzeni being back on is also a plus. Paddy is paying five places in this and he looks well worth supporting each-way with so many factors in his favour.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Traders tips summary:
Conor Magner: 13:50 Ascot – Mother Earth
Niall O’Reilly: 13:50 Ascot – Mahale
Frank Hickey: 15:35 Ascot – Golden Horde
James Ryan: 16:10 Ascot – Punctuation
Jamie Smyth: 16:40 Ascot – Deja
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