The big handicap at Ascot tomorrow is the Victoria Cup at 3.25. There are a few that I fancy. Starting with Dhaular Dhar who was 3rd last season. He has often run well at Ascot and likes these big field handicaps. He has not shown his best form for a while but if back to something like his best he is definitely on a winnable mark. Prime Exhibit was runner up in the Lincoln and although he has gone up in the weights as a result he is a lightly raced sort that may have further improvement in him. Mabait has won his last four races but has gone up sharply in the weights since his last success. The runner up has since come out and won at Newmarket so the form looks really solid. Course and distance winner Castles in the Air is another progressive sort and given his favoured fast ground he would be one for the shortlist. Prolific all weather winner Street Power is another to consider. He is a course winner and may be well drawn. It is a wide open race with Mabait, Castles in the Air and Prime Exhibit the obvious ones to consider. Dhaular Dhar and Street Power look the pick of the outsiders.
In the 4.35 Lombok, a half brother to Asian Heights should appreciate the step up to 2 miles and is my main hope from the Ascot card.
Timepiece was not disgraced when 4th at Newmarket last time (the 3rd horse has won since) and will be more at home over this longer trip in the oaks Trail at Lingfield. Ceilidh House has only run once, winning in very impressive style in a Nottingham maiden last October. It is impossible to tell just how good Ralph Beckett’s filly is so the percentage call must be for Timepiece. Apparently Ceilidh House needs some give in the ground so any rain would improve her chance.
In the Derby Trial at 3.10 Bullet Train, Captain James Cook and Desert Myth look the trio most likely to win. Bullet Train was runner up on his reappearance in a race where the 4th Rasmy ran well enough at Chester today. He probably sets the standard and with the O’Brien horses generally running a bit below par Desert Myth could represent the main danger.
The progressive Alainmaar made a big impression when winning at Epsom recently and he is my selection in the 3.45. In the 4.55 I fancy San Cassiano although given the pedigree I am slightly afraid that the trip may be on the sharp side.
Three of the horses I have been waiting for all appear in the Nottingham 2.55 which makes the selection process a tricky one! Walvis Bay ran well in his races as a juvenile last season winning at the third attempt over this trip at York. London Gold had one less run that Walvis Bay but also won at the third time of asking, this time at Doncaster. Like the other pair Deacon Blues has one win under his belt but he also has the benefit of a run this season when he was a promising 3rd and the runner up has won twice since. Deacon Blues may have the edge on fitness and he is the selection. Some ease in the ground would help his cause. Both Walvis Bay and London Gold are respected.
At Thirsk Veroon has an each way chance in the 7.05 while the track should suit Taste the Victory in the 8.05.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Ruth Buchanan.
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