I agree George - I am not his greatest fan but I love a jockey that makes up the horses mind in those 50-50 gaps. I have become exasperated lately with Jamie Spencer who on two or three occasions lately has not only chosen to pull the horse in a 50-50 gap but actually been anticipating them and pulling his mount when the gap looks likely to go but has not yet done so. On another note that was always a crazy price for the American horse with so many questions around what he was attempting. I have no doubt he would have wiped the floor with them on a dirt track. I backed Gregorian who travelled really well actually and will definitely win more races when dropped to group two.
5.00 Ascot Well Sharp 12/1 I was supremely impressed with the manner of Well Sharp's victory on what was his first start on the flat September 2011 when scoring by 6L in the mud at York last month and I think he was full value for his 10lb rise to a mark of 95. He showed some fairly useful form for Michael Dods (including at Ascot) before joining Jonjo O'Neill where he had shaped on several occasions that he'd relish the step up to staying trips. Having won two of his 3 starts over hurdles for O'Neill, this JP McManus owned 5 year old reverted back to the flat last month on the back a 7 month absence at York last much where he relished the step up in trip to 2m for the first time when he travelled like a dream and quickened clear to score by 6L when an unfancied 16/1 shot and his big hike in the weights looks completely justified. He wasn't stopping at the finish that day and I think he'll love the step up in trip to 2m4f as I expect him to be buried for a late run from his high draw. Fran Berry, who was on board last time, comes over for this sole ride from Ireland and despite having to shoulder joint top weight I think he has a superb chance of landing this contest. 8 of the last 11 renewals of this race have gone to National Hunt trainers and I'm hoping that trend continues today with Well Sharp landing this typically competitive Royal Ascot handicap.
I've never known any top trainers horses run as inconsistantly as AOBs regularly do season in season out. Then everyone makes out he's some sort of genius, when they bounce back. I'd say the complete opposite, and say its a big negative on him as a trainer, that he can't keep his horses at there peak throughout the season. Something plenty other trainers manage to do
God, it's fashion time, I'll take an ice cream and coffee break till 3:05...... please log in to view this image Oddy: You didn't ask me, but it's bloody hot down here, and I'm wearing pale blue pyjama...oh forget it!
I got that 2-1 about Dawn Approach - had to use Billy Hill on mobile, but no limit Swiss Spirit next up, and now that AK has blown out, hoping that Mike the Kock's charge does the same!
320 Stratford or doudairies has a fantastic opportunity to make it a G Hatrick 9a available ew and 330 Thirsk me and my shadow could get back to winnying ways took 8s earlier 13/2 still available
