A handy treble at Doncaster and Yarmouth on Thursday has kept us nicely in profit for the big Ascot meeting this weekend.
Hopefully Ascot are putting plenty of water on the course to prevent a glut of non-runners and it looks set for two excellent day’s sport. The opening race on Friday looks like an ideal opportunity for Mick Channon’s Malabar to get off the mark.
The filly was a little unlucky when second on her debut and Channon decided to let her take her chance in the Group 3 Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. She was settled towards the rear and gradually weaved her way through the pack before flashing home in fourth place.
Fourth in any race at the Royal meeting is usually good enough to win a maiden and it will be disappointing if she cannot take the opener. Her main market rival will be Richard Hannon’s Crystal Malt but she has had three attempts to get off the mark and may have to wait a little longer.
The Brown Jack Stakes is one of my favourite staying events on the calendar and Mark Johnston runs two last-time-out winners in Sir Frank Morgan and Maid In Rio. Both won with plenty in hand last time and look well in at the weights but Maid In Rio’s Haydock win just reads better than the Catterick success of her stable companion.
She looks to have relished stepping up in distance and Silvestre De Sousa should feel confident about kicking for home early in the straight. With Elidor being a free-running sort, he is not certain to get the trip and Sir Frank Morgan is feared most.
For the treble we shall put our faith in the luckless Euro Charline who has met trouble in two of her last three races. She ran a blinder to finish third to Rizeena in the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting last time after finishing fifth in the 1000 Guineas. That form puts her well ahead of some disappointing rivals, several of which have lost their way completely.
Kiyoshi has shown no sparkle at all this season while Gifted Girl does not seem to be the same filly that ran second to Dank in the Beverly D Stakes last season. Woodland Aria is another who has failed to show her best form in recent starts and this looks set up for the Botti filly.
Malabar 2.10 Ascot
Maid In Rio 3.20 Ascot @5-2 Paddy Power
Euro Charline 3.55 Ascot @6-4 William Hill
