Hi all,
The decision to swerve Royal Ascot paid off on Tuesday as Oliver Hardy won at Brighton. Today I’m heading to Royal Ascot for two and Chelmsford for two.
Royal Ascot
3:40 – Magical – 7/4 – Gen –The selection has been well placed to win three starts this year, including the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup on her last start. The 4-year-old ended last season with a win in the fillies & Mares here on Champions Day before finishing runner-up to Enable in the Breeders Cup Turf.
4:20 – I Can Fly – 9/2 @ William Hill & Ladbrokes – Another possible winner for Aidan O’Brien. Straight track form is always useful at Ascot as we saw yesterday with Lord Glitters. The selection was beaten just a neck by Roaring Lion in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over C&D on Champions Day. Not at that level so far this season but if the going turns soft a big run can be expected.
Chelmsford
7:10 – Desert Fire – 3/1 @ William Hill or 11/4 @ Ladbrokes & Coral – The selection won a handicap at Meydan back in January before two further solid placed efforts. The 4-year-old made an encouraging all-weather debut when 4th of 14 at Newcastle 61-days ago. Drops back to 1m 2f here and gets the first time cheekpieces.
8:40 – Highgarden – 11/4 @ William Hill & Ladbrokes – The selection showed a good battling attitude to win a Group 3 at Newmarket back in September. This is the filly’s seasonal reappearance and she drops into Class 2 handicap company here. The daughter of Nathaniel makes her all weather debut, but trainer John Gosden is an is an impressive 10 winners from 25 runners 40% +17.88 A/E 1.59 16 placed 64% with his runners in 3yo+ handicaps at the track. Despite top-weight and a lack of race fitness I think the 4-year-old can win this.
Cheers
John