Hi all,
We’re set for a bumper weekend of big-race action. Obviously Arc Weekend gets underway at Longchamp but there’s good racing on these shores with the quality race being the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes (2:40) at Newmarket. Whilst the big betting race is the Challenge Cup Handicap (3:40) at Ascot.
Here’s my look at the five races on ITV from Ascot. Plus, a quick look at three of the Longchamp races.
Ascot
The rain arrived at Ascot on Friday and by the final race the going had changed to soft.
1:15 BetMGM British EBF October Stakes (Listed) – 7f
Bright Thunder was suited by the drop back to 7f when just touched off in the Group 3 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster. With soft ground in her favour, she’s the one to beat. Miss Nightfall ran a career best in the same race and should be suited by the forecast strong pace. Sunfall, last year’s winner, shaped better than the bare result on her first start in three months in the Sceptre Stakes and can get closer this time.
1:50 BetMGM Rous Stakes (Listed) – 5f
Beautiful Diamond runner-up in last year’s race, bounced back to winning ways when landing the Listed Scottish Sprint Fillies’ Stakes at Ayr last month. She’s fresher than most, handles soft, and won’t be far away. Enchanting is interesting for the change in going, as she’s better with cut and has each way claims.
2:25 BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3) – 1m4f
Hamish took this in 2022 and is a class act when the ground eases. Stablemate Tenability, progressive and 3-3 over C&D, looks the main danger.
3:00 John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (Group 3) – 6f
Apollo One won this last year on soft ground and ran a cracker when runner-up in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster. With conditions in his favour again, he’s a big player. Albeit I would be slightly concerned if there’s a strong headwind.
3:35 BetMGM Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) – 7f
If the rain hadn’t have arrived, I would have liked Linwood, but I think he needs better ground. Purosangue was backed into favouritism for the return to soft ground when fourth in the Ayr Gold Cup last time. On a long losing run and by no means a certain stayer but well handicapped on his best form and does like soft ground.
Tarkhan returned to form when edged out at Newbury on soft last time. Any cut plays to the 6yo’s strengths, and his yard won this race in 2018.
Thunder Roar was back to winning ways at Ayr last month and thrives in the autumn — his October record reads 114221. Testing ground would boost his claims.
Longchamp (Saturday)
They were calling it good to soft at Longchamp on Thursday evening. Just 4mm was forecast for Friday, but 7mm for Saturday. I have a few of interest on Saturday’s card:
3:25 Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2, 1m): Alcantor, third last year and back to form when a length 4th of 12 in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin over C&D last time. Handles soft and Fabre has likely aimed him at this.
4:00 Prix de Royallieu (Group 1, 1m6f): Santorini Star made all in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster. If she gets her own way again, she can follow up, though Consent, who was just a neck behind her at Doncaster, also has claims. Indalimos beat Consent convincedly in a Group 3 (1m4½f) at Deauville last time. The latter didn’t get the best of runs and has improved over this trip since but if Indalimos stays and improves for the new trip she could be the value.
4:35 Prix Dollar (Group 2, 1m2f): First Look has improved since being gelded, winning twice, and goes well on soft ground. He’s relatively fresh and has a good chance of the hat-trick if the rain arrives.
Staking Challenge Selection
Ascot
3:00 – Apollo One – £1.60 win – 5/1.
Running Total: £66.00
Tomorrow I’ll be doing a column looking at the Longchamp action on Arc Day.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John