Rose Diamond should have both trip and going in her favour in the Ascot 2.45 tomorrow. She is a consistent sort and with the benefit of a run already this season she should go well. Henry Cecil has two runners in this race, Apple Charlotte and Honest Quality. The beautifully bred Honest Quality won two of her 4 starts last season including a listed contest over 7 furlongs at Sandown on fast ground. Apple Charlotte, a half sister to Arthur’s Girl, won her only race as a juvenile last year in a back end Newmarket maiden.
My fancy for the Sagara Stakes at 3.55 is Patkai who won the Queen’s Vase over course and distance last season. This race should be run at a fair gallop which would benefit Patkai who is a thorough stayer but also has a turn of foot.
Elnawin won twice in good company last season and showed that he had trained on when runner up at Lingfield last month. He is dropped back to 6 furlongs in the 4.30 which should suit him as he has looked a doubtful stayer over further. Nasri was 3rd behind Donativum and Crowded House at Newmarket last October. He was well beaten on his seasonal reappearance in the Greenham but is worth another chance based on his form last season. He may not want the ground too quick however.
Queen Eleanor showed promise on her two starts as a juvenile and with her stable in form looks an interesting runner in the Kempton 7.20.
Native Ruler was all the rage for the Wood Ditton and although probably not relishing the quick ground managed to finish 2nd. He runs in the Pontefract 2.55 and has to be in with a great chance although the ground may again be a negative factor. Cherish the Moment ran well on his only start last season and finished 3rd on his return to action at Leicester. He is another that might be happier on slightly easier ground. Northside Prince might find this company a bit too hot but could be one for the future once he qualifies for handicaps.
Punchestown selections; 4.55 Merrydown; 5.30 Sweeps Hill; 6.05 Imperial Commander
Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Jo Stockdale (see links)
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