Flat racing plus soft ground = save your money until the ground dries out. The form book becomes worthless as the fast horses get stuck in the mud; and you have to trawl back a couple of years to find some back-end maiden race on soft ground so you know a horse acts on it. They should have switched to the jumps course on Tuesday and got Mullins, Henderson and Nicholls to send some slow old plodders... most of the crowd are there to be seen, not for the sport.
Two speculative small money each way plays for me. 2.30 Ventura Rebel 5.35 Babbo's Boy Personally I'd also like to see Dee Ex Bee win the Gold Cup but the top horse is perhaps just too good. Good luck to all that play.
Stradivarius is becoming a bit of a legend. He is a teak tough horse and loves a battle. Softer ground at the Gold Cup distance is a different test than it is at shorter and cold analysis of Stradivarius's races does not make for good reading. Last year's Gold Cup sees a record of 0/19 from the others who ran. The Goodwood Cup reads 0/12 since, while the Yorkshire Cup is 1/24 since, with the one winner being Red Verdon. The Long Distance Champions race threw up two winners but those were both Hurdle races won by the ill-fated Sir Erec. It's an uninspiring form collection and this seems to be a tougher task than Stradivarius normally faces. Cross Counter is a Melbourne Cup winner on bad ground and I would imagine they will try to deliver him late to avoid getting into a battle with the Gosden horse. Dee Ex Bee is not fully exposed as a real stayer and he could serve it up to Stradivarius. I did Cross Counter and hope to see him pounce in the final furlong.
Sunday Sovereign seemed to travel into the race well and then instantly fell into a hole. Probably an early season speedster who hasn't come forward but the trainer sounded confident before the race and it was a poor effort really. Bookies benefit but the winner was also well backed for all that he was the first maiden to land it since 1990.
ascot,3 05: HAMPTON COURT STAKES i quite like the look of ARTHUR KITT,but its also rather speculative.he won at this meeting 12 months ago,and though has only one good effort to his name this season,when second last time out at leicester,hes a horse with plenty of experience,which counts a lot.so,has to raise his game with some of these more progressive,but if he does,decent e w shout.
Competition NAP's are mainly for Stradivarius (12/20) understandable given the scoring system, the remaining 8 are all unique selections King Ottokar for me next, but my form is right out just lately!
Frankie's hat trick won't be in the next race (Star Catcher) as he is burdened with my selection - however ...... an Ascot through-the-card ....? Never! Surely not?
ran a brave race,so no excuses there.. ascot,3 05: RIBBLESDALE STAKES this time,my choice is less original,but i really think,FLEETING has the best form on offer,and had a nightmare run in the oaks at epsom last time out,but still claiming a highly respectable third,so that sets a useful standard here..
ascot,4 20: GOLD CUP well,the big one is up next,and ive got a feeling,that this could be the day,that DEE EX BEE will finally show his true colours.hes one of these typically strong and hardy johnston stayers,and that is exactly,what you will need in these conditions.hes also quite versatile,regarding ground,and this new trip might easily unlock further improvement..
Stradivarius into 4/6 Turrgenev into 7/2 Questionare into 3/1 (if Frankie wins the next 3 then this will probably start around 1/10 )
